Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Sun 31 May 2026 7:45, UK

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Robbie Keane has been heavily linked to the Celtic manager’s post for a number of months.

The former Hoops star has impressed early in his management career and has become available after resigning at Ferencvaros.

After many of Celtic’s reported targets have become unavailable, Keane has now shot up to the favourite with one bookmaker.

As it stands, he is 4/7 to be in charge for the first game of the 2026-27 campaign, making him the odds-on favourite.

Keane would no doubt be a controversial appointment at Celtic, especially with Martin O’Neill impressing since coming back in January.

Robbie Keane to Celtic speculation refuses to disperse

While many fans may not be keen on the former Hoops star, speculation has refused to die down.

Keane has won numerous trophies early in his managerial career and even guided Ferencvaros to the Europa League knockouts this season.

A move to Parkhead may be seen as a logical step for the manager as he looks to deliver glory to his former club.

However, it remains to be seen if he will be able to handle the squad overhaul Celtic needs after only narrowly securing the Scottish Premiership title.

Nevertheless, Keane has already proven himself to be a winner, and if this can be repeated, he will no doubt win over the hearts of many supporters.

Could Martin O’Neill move upstairs at Celtic?

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that O’Neill should be given a sporting director role at Celtic this summer.

If this is accompanied by the appointment of Keane, Wyness has insisted that the board would see the rift between fans and the board heal.

Many Hoops supporters grew angry with the hierarchy throughout the 2025-26 campaign, and this could return if the new season starts badly.

However, O’Neill has helped heal some of the anger, especially after delivering a surprise domestic double.

Now, Wyness believes that he should have a say on who is appointed this summer through a sporting director role.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen who will be brought in to Parkhead in what could be the most important decision in the club’s recent history, given Hearts’ recent rise and Rangers’ spending power.