Celtic are looking for a new boss, and a familiar name has jumped to the front of the queue. Robbie Keane, who many remember from his days at Liverpool and Tottenham, is now the favourite to take over at Celtic Park this summer.
The Irish legend has been making waves as a manager in Europe, and Celtic's board are seriously impressed. According to The Guardian, the club have set their sights on Keane to lead them into next season after another chaotic campaign in Glasgow.
It's been a wild ride for Celtic this year. Brendan Rodgers left in controversial fashion, then Wilfried Nancy came in but lasted just eight games with only two wins. That's when Martin O'Neill stepped in for his third spell at the club, steadying the ship at 74 years old.
O'Neill has done exactly what was asked, getting Celtic back into the title race alongside Rangers and Hearts. But everyone knew this was temporary. The club needs a long-term solution, and Keane might be their man.
From Goals to Gaffers
Keane isn't just trading on his playing reputation. He's actually built some serious credentials as a manager. After coaching with Ireland, he took over at Maccabi Tel Aviv and won the Israeli league title in his only full season there.
Right now, he's managing Ferencvaros in Hungary, where he won the league title last season. They're still competing in Europe too, which has only boosted his profile. For punters watching the Scottish Premiership odds, a Keane appointment could shift Celtic's title chances significantly for next season.
Celtic aren't putting all their eggs in one basket though. Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has caught their eye with progressive football, though some doubt he's ready for the jump. Craig Bellamy is also admired, but Wales' World Cup play-offs complicate that situation.
Liverpool Days Still Echo
Many British fans still remember Keane's Liverpool spell, even though it was brief. He joined from Spurs in 2008 with huge expectations. Everyone thought he'd form a deadly partnership with Fernando Torres under Rafael Benitez.
It didn't work out that way. Keane struggled for regular starts and scored his first Liverpool goal in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven. But by January 2009, he was back at Tottenham. His Liverpool chapter lasted just six months.
Despite the short stint, his name remains linked to Anfield because of his Premier League status. His career took him everywhere - from Inter Milan to LA Galaxy, and even a playing spell at Celtic itself.
If Keane does land the job, he'll inherit massive expectations but also huge opportunity. Celtic are going through a complete reset this summer, looking at their squad and recruitment strategy. After such an unstable season, betting markets will be watching closely to see who takes charge and how they rebuild.
For Keane, returning to Glasgow as manager rather than player would be another fascinating twist in a career that's taken him across continents and into the dugout.
