Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Wed 25 March 2026 19:15, UK

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Robbie Keane has been installed as the new favourite to be the Celtic manager at the start of next season by a leading UK bookmaker.

Martin O’Neill is set to step down from his position as Celtic boss at the end of this season, regardless of if they win the Premiership ahead of Hearts or Rangers.

The Hoops are third in the league as it stands with seven games to play, and they need to make up a five-point gap on leaders Hearts before then.

Numerous managers, both in and out of work, have been linked to taking over at Parkhead ahead of next season, with Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou believed to be a top contender.

Keane is another who has been linked to becoming Celtic’s next manager, and the likelihood of him returning to the club is seemingly increasing after a new development.

Robbie Keane emerges as 2/1 favourite to be Celtic’s next manager

Keane’s foray into coaching has seen him take charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros, following spells as an assistant manager with the Republic of Ireland, Middlesbrough and Leeds United.

The ex-Spurs forward took over at Ferencvaros in January 2025 and is still in position as it stands after he led them to a top-flight league title last season.

Keane was linked to the Celtic job before Wilfried Nancy took over in December, but he played down rumours of a mid-season exit, while also admitting that he can “never say never in football.”

He has remained in contention with several leading bookmakers, and one has now slashed his odds to 2/1 as the favourite to be Celtic’s manager for the first game of the 2026-27 season.

Berthel Askou is still a top contender to manage Celtic amid Motherwell heroics

Sources have told Football Insider that Berthel Askou is admired by Celtic’s board, and it is no wonder, considering his exploits in charge of Motherwell this season.

He has led the club to fourth place in the Premiership as it stands, but three games without a win have seen his side fall away from title contention.

The Dane remains the bookies’ second-favourite to be O’Neill’s successor at Parkhead, at odds of 3/1, while Roberto Martinez has also been named as a contender and is currently priced at 6/1 to be the next Hoops manager.

As well as Keane, other contenders include Christian Ilzer (12/1), Ange Postecoglou (14/1) and Steve Clarke (14/1).