McAvennie makes dramatic Howe claim after Celtic U-turn
Eddie Howe no longer wants the Celtic job after delaying a decision on whether to replace Neil Lennon at Parkhead.
That's the dramatic claim of former Hoops hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the vacant managerial position at Celtic.
Howe reached a verbal agreement with the club following discussions in London before this site broke the news that he had made a U-turn after having second thoughts.
It is understood that Howe is on a three-man shortlist for the Crystal Palace job along with Sean Dyche and Frank Lampard amid major doubts over Roy Hodgson’s future, and he is also on the radar of Brighton.
McAvennie claims Howe is no longer interested in the Celtic job now other clubs have expressed an interest in his services.
When asked if he'd given up on Howe taking over at Parkhead, McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild, "I have but I'm hoping he's not given up because he'd be great.
"I know he's not won trophies but he has a chance to do that and raise his profile up here.
"He did so well at Bournemouth, taking them from the fourth division right through to the Premier League.
"I don't know what's going on but in my opinion, he doesn't want it any more. If he did then he'd be here.
"Which is a shame because I wanted to see a bit of fight from him because it's all just kind of died out."
John Kennedy remains in charge of the first team following Lennon's resignation at the end of February.
The Hoops drew 1-1 with Aberdeen on Wednesday night as a very late Leigh Griffiths goal earned his side a point and maintained the club's impressive unbeaten run at Pittodrie.