Roy Keane has admitted he would consider a return to management, saying "the pilot light is still on for something," amid speculation linking him with the Celtic job. The ITV and Sky Sports pundit made the comments during a Sky Sports Premier League A-Z feature aired on Saturday.
Celtic fans have been speculating about a possible succession plan after Keane was spotted in the stands during their 1-0 league loss at Celtic Park. However, chief executive Michael Nicholson has subsequently backed manager Martin O'Neill.
Keane's comments on a dugout comeback
Speaking to Micah Richards, Keane left the door ajar for a return to the touchline, even though it would almost certainly require him to leave his roles as a pundit for ITV and Sky.
He said: "Strangely enough, at weekends when I'm watching games, there are teams I watch and you go, 'I think I could go in there and do a job.' But it's mostly at weekends. It's not through the week. It's not Monday morning when I'm having my scrambled egg at the local cafe, just reading a paper. All these managers driving up and down the motorways and stresses."
He added: "But yeah, I do. I think there's always something there. The pilot light is still on for something. If someone gave me a phone call and told you, you know what? Who knows? It's going to be unlikely."
Past opportunities and Celtic links
Richards suggested to Keane that management is "still in you," highlighting how the Irishman reacts as he analyses matches during his punditry work in the Sky studio. Keane acknowledged: "Yeah. Because even when we're watching games, you look at it from a manager's point of view. Yeah, maybe, maybe. But then to actually go in there and do it, the logistics of everything."
The former Sunderland boss also revealed there had been approaches in recent years which he has declined to continue with his current broadcasting work. He continued: "It's well and good sitting here going, 'Yeah, yeah.' But the reality is then, and I've had opportunities the last few years, but then there's contracts and staff issues and you go, 'Really?' And sometimes you go, 'Stick to what you're doing.'"
O'Neill's future at Celtic
Celtic fans are awaiting updates about the future of manager Martin O'Neill, who revealed he will reflect on his position during the international break following their Scottish Premiership loss to Rangers. The defeat marked the third loss in seven days for the Scottish champions, who were heavily beaten by Old Firm rivals Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup before starting their Europa League campaign with a home loss to Ferencvaros.
This means the final decision on O'Neill's future will rest with the 74-year-old himself. Keane actually worked with O'Neill during his tenure managing the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.
Keane, who concluded his playing career at Celtic Park with a brief stint in 2006, famously rejected the Celtic job in 2014 before Ronny Deila was appointed. The Irishman said that Dermot Desmond told him the job was his if he wanted it. Keane has been absent from the touchline for 15 years since departing Ipswich Town, where he managed for two years following a successful spell as Sunderland boss in his first managerial role.
