Martin O'Neill has backed Roy Keane to become the next Celtic manager, insisting the former Manchester United captain has the personality and ability to succeed at Parkhead. Keane, 49, has been heavily linked with replacing Neil Lennon after the Northern Irishman left the club last month.
O'Neill, who managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, worked with Keane as his assistant with the Republic of Ireland and later at Nottingham Forest. Speaking to BBC Scotland Sportsound, the 69-year-old said: 'He's got the personality for a start. He was a massive player, an iconic figure in the game. He led and cajoled Manchester United on for almost a decade.'
O'Neill acknowledged that Keane's reputation as a strong-willed character might raise doubts, but argued he has learned a great deal since retiring in 2006. 'He has certainly got the capacity to adapt, to motivate players, absolutely,' O'Neill added. 'Has Roy Keane got the personality to manage at the very top? Absolutely.'
Keane's managerial experience includes spells at Sunderland, where he won promotion to the Premier League, and Ipswich Town, from which he departed in 2011. He also had a brief coaching stint at Aston Villa in 2014. In his autobiography, Keane claimed he was offered the Celtic job in 2014 but was unimpressed by the contract offer.
Other candidates for the Celtic job include former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre, Eddie Howe, and Thierry Henry. Sportsmail reported earlier this week that Favre has entered the race to succeed Lennon.
