Celtic News: Roy Keane In For Bhoys As Larsson Says No

Neil Lennon`s managerial seat at Celtic Park is still warm as the candidates like Henrik Larsson, Paul Lambert and latterly, Roy Keane are shortlisted. Of course the bookies have already made their decision as to the likely replacement for Lennon, but they are notoriously inconsistent when it comes to managerial appointments.

Henrik Larsson has been installed by the bookmakers number one candidate to fill the vacant position at Celtic Park, however, a dark horse has suddenly come to the fore in the last hour; one who may usurp both Larsson and Lambert. That person is Roy Keane.

Almost simultaneously, as Larsson`s boss at Falkenbergs FF in Allsvenskan, poured cold water over the prospect of Larsson taking over at Celtic by stating that he had already spoken to the former Celtic striker and had been given assurances that he would stay at the club until at least November, effectively ruling himself out of the running, Sky Sports News was speaking to Roy Keane about the likelihood of his taking the job.

Keane is not known for being lost for words, so it was interesting that he was reticent about whether he was interested in the job or not. Keane gave the most convoluted of replies to questions about his interest, to try and give an answer without actually saying anything! In fact, his very diffidence seemed to suggest that there was very real interest, but he was not allowing it to show for the cameras.

Of course, there is still Paul Lambert in the reckoning, but it looks unlikely that he wants to leave Aston Villa despite the fact that owner Randy Lerner has the club up for sale. The chances are that a new owner may well want to invest in the club and that would be exactly what Lambert requires.

Keane is  an ex-player when he made a move to Celtic as a finale to his career when he left Manchester United. He had made public his affection for the club and was well received by the fans. A move for Keane would involve similar problems to those affecting Louis Van Gaal`s appointment as manager of Manchester United, where he is involved in a national set-up. However, Van Gaal`s team are in a World Cup whereas Keane`s Republic of Ireland are not.

There is a way to run with this appointment and there are a number of high profile ex-managers who could take on this appointment, like Malky Mackay, Owen Coyle or even David Moyes.