Celtic next manager: Two ‘top targets’ emerge as Martin O’Neill alternatives
Celtic are still assessing a number of options as they aim to step up plans to replace Brendan Rodgers over the next few weeks.
Martin O’Neill stepped in to replace Rodgers on an interim basis while they search for a new permanent boss, although he himself has emerged as one of the leading contenders.
The interim boss has had a successful spell so far and oversaw a 4-0 win against Falkirk and 3-1 win against Rangers, despite the recent 3-1 defeat to Midtjylland.
Football Insider revealed on 7 November that O’Neill is in the driving seat for the Celtic job as things stand, having enjoyed an impressive interim spell.
However, the club are still considering a number of alternatives to O’Neill, and have set their sights on two high-profile bosses as their top targets.
Kieran McKenna and Kjetil Knutsen top Celtic’s list of targets
Celtic are considering both Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen as “top targets” to replace Rodgers in a permanent role.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, both targets are seen as leading contenders for the role given their performances and experience at their respective clubs, as well as their high reputations.
While O’Neill looks set to remain in his interim role, potentially for an extended period, both bosses are seen as long-term options to take over permanently.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “We’re coming up to an international break, so that will give Celtic time to whittle down that shortlist of options.
“I think Kieran McKenna was and still is the number-one target, but prising him away from Ipswich is a difficult deal to do due to the big compensation package.
“You’ve got Knutsen from Bodo/Glimt as well who is another front-runner, he’s done such a good job up at Bodo/Glimt, but they might have to wait for him.
“There are still a lot of names on that Celtic list and options they will assess.
“If O’Neill is willing to continue in the job on an interim basis, then that gives Celtic even more time to make the right decision and bring in a new manager to replace Rodgers.”
Should O’Neill opt to remain as the interim boss on a long-term basis, potentially until the end of the season, it could open the door for their other targets.
Significant McKenna update emerges at Celtic
While neither are expected to be straightforward to get over the line, Celtic are preparing to make efforts to land either one of their top targets.
Football Insider revealed on 2 November that Celtic are exploring a deal for McKenna, but the compensation fee required to get him out of Ipswich could be problematic.
Any move for the boss would require Celtic to pay his “huge” fee, which is believed to be worth around £5million, to prise him away from Portman Road.
However, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 6 November that McKenna is “very interested” in the Celtic job and could be tempted to make a move away from Ipswich.
This comes as a result of what has been a frustrating season so far, with the Tractor Boys 10th in the Championship after 13 games played.
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