Robbie Keane far from being ‘ideal choice’ as next Celtic manager | OneFootball

Claim that Robbie Keane would be ideal choice if Martin O’Neill decides to call it a day…

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’s no secret that Robbie Keane was high on the list of a names to become Celtic manager during the summer, only for a backlash by the Celtic supporters who were rightfully angered by his decision to work in  Israel during a genocide of the Palestinian people, thus forcing the Celtic hierarchy into a rethink with Martin O’Neill being handed the job instead.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill looks on during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Robbie Keane was reportedly interviewed by Celtic bosses in relation to the job, and  now it is being claimed that could put him at the front of the queue should Martin decide to call it a day during this international break.

It’s only someone’s opinion, but one that will no doubt fling the proverbial grenade amongst the Celtic supporters given their well documented disapproval of Keane.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has argued that appointing Robbie Keane would be an easy decision for Celtic after the groundwork was done in the summer.

Martin O’Neill arrives at the stadium. Celtic v Rangers. Scottish Premiership. 20 September 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“If Celtic are going to part ways with O’Neill then they will want a replacement in quickly,” Brown told Football insider. “It’s not quite as easy as that, we saw that last season and that put them in a very difficult position, it’s the reason they’ve ended up with O’Neill staying for another season.

“But when you look at the options available to them, it’s safe to say Robbie Keane is the most likely candidate because they’ve already interviewed him.

“They’ll know what he’s about, what his ideas for the squad are, his style of play, how he works on the training ground, all of that sort of thing.

“So it would minimise the amount of time they have to spend looking for somebody, because all of that information from his last interview will still be available to them.

“When you’re looking at all of the options, he probably is the one that makes the most sense, unless they think there’s somebody else who could be persuaded.”

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)

While some Celtic supporters may be prepared to look at appointing Robbie Keane for football reasons only many others would not. It would be hard for him to unite the support and therefore there will be division within the ranks.

Former Celtic player, Daizen Maeda arrives at the stadium before the Scottish Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Daizen Maeda’s post match message was for everyone at Celtic to unite and come together to achieve success. That clearly wouldn’t happen by appointing Robbie Keane. Of course it may well be that is exactly the reason why Dermot Desmond might decide to appoint him.

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