Former Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has openly mused that a poignant reunion with Celtic and his old international manager Martin O'Neill could be "written in the stars" as the Europa League play-off draw approaches this Friday. The Ferencvaros boss, now steering the Hungarian champions, faces the tantalising prospect of a European showdown steeped in personal history.
A Destiny-Filled Draw on the Horizon
The draw in Nyon will determine whether Keane's Ferencvaros are paired with Scottish Premiership giants Celtic, a club he represented on loan during a storied playing career, or Bulgarian contenders Ludogorets. For Keane, the potential tie transcends mere competition, evoking deep connections to his past.
Emotional Ties to Parkhead
"There is going to be a lot of talk, because I played for Celtic, but I don't really care," Keane remarked, downplaying the narrative while acknowledging its weight. His focus, he insists, remains on the formidable challenge any opponent presents. However, he couldn't resist reflecting on the unique possibility of locking horns with O'Neill, the man who managed him for the Republic of Ireland.
"You always want to play against very, very experienced managers," Keane stated, referencing recent duels with Rafa Benitez and Sean Dyche in the competition. "There aren't many more experienced than Martin, and what he's done in the game and what he's done since he's come back to Celtic. He's given a lot of energy to the club, of course, a lot of energy to the players, with a club that was obviously very, very down. That's what Martin does."
Forest's Heavy Defeat Sets the Stage
Keane's comments follow a chastening 4-0 defeat for Ferencvaros against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, a result that dashed their hopes of a top-eight finish in the group stage. An early own goal from Bence Otvos, a brace from Igor Jesus, and a late James McAtee penalty sealed a comfortable victory for Forest, who were already virtually assured of a play-off spot after a damaging loss in Braga the previous week.
Forest themselves now await their fate, set to face either Panathinaikos or Fenerbahce. The draw carries extra intrigue for Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, with a potential clash against Greek side Panathinaikos—bitter rivals of his other club, Olympiacos—likely more appealing than a trip to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce.
Embracing the European Challenge
Regardless of the opponent, Keane emphasised the difficulty that lies ahead in the two-legged play-off. "So maybe it's written in the stars, myself against Martin. I don't know. But again, regardless of who we play in the two games, it will be so difficult," he conceded, acknowledging the elevated quality at this stage of European competition.
Echoing the sentiment of a tough battle ahead, Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche commented on the congested fixture list facing his side. "I mean, that's the way it goes, and you don't go into it thinking you're just going to glide through it all," Dyche said. "So we certainly want good games, and I think it's great for the fans, that's for sure. But we certainly want to win, and it's not an easy task. We will take whatever comes. It's about working hard to get to this far and then going again. It's going to be the challenge."
As Friday's draw looms, all eyes will be on whether destiny indeed orchestrates a heartfelt Celtic reunion for Robbie Keane, or if Ferencvaros are handed a different, equally demanding European test.
