Robbie Keane backed as ‘strong candidate’ for Celtic job alongside Damien Duff | OneFootball

Robbie Keane has been tipped to emerge as a Celtic managerial candidate again in the future despite the controversy which surrounded his previous links with the Hoops job.

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 former Celtic striker was among the names seriously considered for the position before the Scottish champions ultimately turned to Martin O’Neill on a short-term basis.

Keane’s potential appointment proved contentious among sections of the support, largely because of his previous spell in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The Irishman had appeared to be moving closer to the Celtic vacancy before Dermot Desmond eventually went in a different direction and handed responsibility to O’Neill.

However, former Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie does not believe Keane’s managerial career should be defined by where he has previously worked.

Dowie feels the 46-year-old has become caught up in a wider debate surrounding his time in Israel and insists his credentials as a coach should be the determining factor if Celtic consider him again.

Speaking via Yahoo Sports, Dowie said: “In terms of Robbie Keane I think the fan opposition to Keane stems from where he has managed previously, which I understand.

“Keane certainly has more experience internationally, but Damien Duff has done a fantastic job wherever he’s been. Both would be strong candidates, but it’s hard to say for sure. Celtic is a massive club, they, along with Rangers, are huge entities.

“You need a specific mindset to manage a club of that stature, and both Duff and Keane certainly possess that mentality. I think Keane might be the favourite right now, but I don’t think he’s a political person.

“He’s been dragged into the narrative a bit, but I think he should really just be judged on his footballing ability.”

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