Celtic next manager: Proven Premier League boss who won trophy last year should replace Martin O'Neill

Eddie Howe would be the perfect appointment for Celtic if Martin O'Neill does depart as manager.

The Hoops have lost their last three games across all competitions, with two of them coming in the Old Firm derby against Rangers.

The 74-year-old guided his former club to the Scottish Premiership and cup double last season, but the good feeling at Parkhead has quickly evaporated.

There has been a suggestion that O'Neill may well step down in the coming days amid the international break, with there being no sign that Celtic are ready to dismiss him.

Should the Northern Irishman do so, Howe would undoubtedly be in the conversation after leaving Newcastle United in the summer.

It is unclear whether the 48-year-old is ready to return to management yet, but he would represent a hugely exciting option for Celtic.

Eddie Howe would be the ideal appointment for Celtic

If there is one thing Howe knows how to install at a football club, then it is stability.

Newcastle were in free fall when the Englishman arrived in 2021, sitting 19th in the Premier League without a single win.

But with the help of the new owners, Howe guided his team to 12 wins from their final 18 league games and a 12th-place finish. They would reach the Champions League by finishing fourth in the next campaign.

The high point of his reign was ending Newcastle's lengthy trophy drought with last year's League Cup final triumph.

It was a similar story for the former centre-back at Bournemouth, who he led from League Two to the Premier League in under seven years.

It is clear that the problems at Celtic go beyond just the manager, but the Hoops are clearly in need of a something new in the dugout, and Howe's track record says it may just be him.

One major bookmaker has shortened his odds of taking the job to 9/1, while Manchester United remain the favourite for his next location.

Celtic can avenge 2021 choice

Interestingly, Howe came close to joining Celtic in 2021, months before he would take the Newcastle job.

The Hoops were desperate to bring the former Bournemouth boss to Paradise, but he ultimately chose to stay within the Premier League.

Ange Postecoglou would be appointed in the summer instead, and would be far from a mistake for Celtic - overseeing a dominant stint in charge.

But Howe's availability makes for the opportunity to appoint him once more, and he may well be much more keen on the offer this time.