Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Tue 2 June 2026 20:45, UK

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Celtic look increasingly likely to appoint Robbie Keane as their manager for the 2026-27 campaign.

The 45-year-old met with Dermot Desmond on Monday and is now reportedly the frontrunner.

As a result, Keane is now the comfortable bookies’ favourite for the role, despite the controversy surrounding a potential appointment.

Now, talkSPORT on 2 June has revealed that Keane would be willing to commit to a three-year contract if the job.

This is something Celtic must avoid in order to ensure a significant Wilfried Nancy error is not repeated.

Celtic should not offer Robbie Keane three-year deal

Nancy has gone down as easily Celtic’s worst-ever manager after a terrible short reign between December 2025 and January 2026.

It was only via the brilliance of Martin O’Neill that the Hoops were able to save their season and win the Premiership and the Scottish Cup.

One of the worst things about the deal to bring in the Frenchman was the fact that he signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.

This was despite him being early in his management career and having no experience in the division.

Celtic cannot repeat this error with Keane. The former Hoops star is also lacking experience and arguably failed in his last season at Ferencvaros, as they did not win the top-flight title.

Therefore, a three-year contract would simply be foolish, especially given the hostility towards a potential appointment, as Celtic may soon have to pay out a big compensation fee.

What does the future hold for Martin O’Neill at Celtic?

If O’Neill does not become the manager, former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that he should become Celtic’s sporting director.

Wyness believes this will help get many fans back onside as clashes continue with the board.

O’Neill has no doubt certified himself as a Hoops legend in recent months after their stunning domestic double.

Now, Wyness has insisted that O’Neill must stay in some capacity and have a significant say on who replaces him at Celtic Park.

However, it remains to be seen who Celtic look to bring in to replace the 74-year-old, and if O’Neill would be up to staying at the club if he is not the manager ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.