Keane and McKenna’s first public comments since being linked with Celtic | OneFootball

Robbie Keane and Kieran McKenna have made his first public comments since being linked with the Celtic managerial position vacated this week by Brendan Rodgers…

Robbie Keane, Head Coach of Ferencvaros (R), looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between FC Salzburg and Ferencvarosi TC at Stadion Salzburg on October 23, 2025 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

The Republic of Ireland icon is currently in charge of Hungarian side Ferencvaros, having managed Maccabi Tel Aviv a year ago.

The 45-year-old had a brief spell with Celtic, joining on loan for the latter part of the 2009/10 season. While on a short-term loan from Tottenham, he managed an impressive tally of 16 goals in 19 games for the Hoops.

Craig Bellamy of Celtic during the Tennents Scottish Cup Semi Final between Hearts and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 10 2005. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

Keane, alongside McKenna and Craig Bellamy, has emerged as one of the leading contenders to replace Brendan Rodgers following his shock departure on Monday night.

Ferencvaros recorded a 4-0 victory over Békéscsaba in their most recent game on Wednesday evening with Keane’s side now only four points off top of the table after 10 games played.

Although he avoided commenting on speculation of a possible return to Celtic Park, this marked Keane’s first media appearance since Brendan Rodgers’ ‘resignation’.

Robbie Keane, Head Coach of Ferencvaros (R), looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between FC Salzburg and Ferencvarosi TC at Stadion Salzburg on October 23, 2025 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

“It was a very professional performance, we scored very good goals, overall I’m satisfied,” Keane said, as reported by Daily Record: “I think Madarász came on impressively, it was also visible in Lisztes that he was very good in one-on-one situations, obviously he needs some more time because it’s been a long time since he played.”

“Radnóti was also like he had played 50 games throughout. I think we are doing very well in terms of cups, but I expect the same energy, the same performance against a tough opponent this weekend.”

Kieran McKenna, Manager of Ipswich Town, acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and West Ham United FC at Portman Road on May 25, 2025 in Ipswich. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, McKenna WAS asked directly about the vacant managerial position. The Ipswich Town boss did not rule himself out of the Celtic job.

He said: “It’s not something I’ve given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is this week, to be honest. My focus is just on Ipswich. We grow up with affinities to certain clubs, but there’s no time to think or look at it.

“I know I’ve got a really special job here at a special club, a massive football club that I’ve built a great affinity with, and we’re in a really important season and a really important stage of the season.”

McKenna added: “We’ve got a really big week coming up, three big games starting on Saturday at QPR. So, honestly, anything outside of that hasn’t touched my radar this week; my focus has been 100 per cent on the group here, helping the players get ready for the game.”

Conor Spence

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Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

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