Celtic told to avoid ‘Outspoken’ Keane as talks begin with 44-year-old – Phillips
Celtic should not appoint Roy Keane as their next manager, according to Kevin Phillips.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the 2000 European Golden Shoe winner said “controversy follows” the 49-year-old who is “very outspoken”.
Keane is currently the bookmakers’ third favourite to succeed Neil Lennon at Parkhead, with John Kennedy and Chris Wilder ahead of him.
The Scottish Sun claim the former Manchester United captain has told his friends that he would jump at the chance to return to Celtic.
Football Insider understands the club want to have a director of football in place before appointing a new manager and discussions are underway with Manchester City transfer guru Fergal Harkin, 44.
When asked whether Keane would be a smart choice for the Glasgow giants, Phillips told Football Insider: “Keane has a lot of experience.
“The only thing is, he is very outspoken. He can upset people with his comments, so I do not know about that one if I am being honest.
“I think the club will look elsewhere because controversy follows Roy and Celtic do not want any noise off the field. They just want to get a good side and start challenging.
“In my opinion, they should look elsewhere. He has great experience though, he took Sunderland up. While it would be quite the spectacle, watching him go head to head with Gerrard, I think they’ll choose someone else.”
Keane briefly played for the Hoops in the 2005-06 season before hanging up his boots.
He made 10 appearances in all competitions and scored once.
In other news, Danny Mills has tipped Celtic to swoop for Ben Davies this summer after a telling reveal from Jurgen Klopp.