Reports indicate that an ‘exceptional’ British manager is leaning towards managing Celtic rather than Robbie Keane.

Celtic are still in the process of deciding who will take over as their next permanent manager, with no final appointment made yet. The club’s leadership has opted to proceed cautiously after a turbulent period earlier in the season, and a new name has now emerged as a potential candidate. According to recent reports, Craig Bellamy has become the latest manager to show openness to taking on the role, adding another dimension to an already evolving situation.

The Hoops have been deliberate in their approach following a managerial misstep that disrupted their campaign. Rather than rushing into another appointment, the club’s hierarchy is carefully assessing its options to ensure the next decision is the right one for both the short and long term.

Fallout from a Difficult Appointment

Earlier in the season, Celtic made what ultimately proved to be a costly decision with the appointment of Wilfried Nancy. His tenure turned out to be extremely short-lived, lasting just over a month before coming to an abrupt conclusion. The quick turnaround highlighted the instability within the club at that time and reinforced the need for a more measured approach moving forward.

In the aftermath of Nancy’s departure, the club turned to an experienced figure to steady the situation. Martin O’Neill was brought in on an interim basis, tasked with guiding the team through the remainder of the campaign. His role has been to restore some level of stability while the club continues its search for a long-term solution.

O’Neill Facing an Uphill Battle

Despite O’Neill’s experience and familiarity with the club, the situation he inherited has proven to be challenging. A series of disappointing results earlier in the season has left Celtic with significant ground to make up in the title race.

At present, the team finds itself trailing both Hearts and Rangers by five points at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings. With only a limited number of matches remaining, the margin for error has become extremely small. Heading into their upcoming fixture away at Dundee, Celtic are aware that they likely need to win all of their remaining seven games to keep their hopes of lifting the league trophy alive.

While it is not mathematically impossible, the task is undeniably difficult. O’Neill’s ability to guide the team through this crucial stretch could yet influence how he is viewed by the club’s decision-makers, even though he is not currently expected to remain in the role beyond the end of the season.

Bellamy Emerges as a Candidate

Amid this uncertainty, Craig Bellamy has entered the conversation as a potential successor. Reports indicate that while he is currently content in his role as Wales manager, he would be open to taking the Celtic job under certain circumstances.

Specifically, Bellamy’s future with Wales could come into question following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The disappointment of missing out on the tournament has placed pressure on the national team setup, and any decision by the Welsh FA to make a change could open the door for Bellamy to consider new opportunities.

For Celtic, this presents an intriguing possibility. Bellamy is already familiar with the club, having enjoyed a successful loan spell at Celtic Park during his playing career. His connection to the club, combined with his growing reputation as a manager, makes him a noteworthy option.

Bellamy’s Playing Legacy at Celtic

During his time as a player at Celtic, Bellamy made a strong impression. On loan from Newcastle United in the 2004–05 season, he scored nine goals in just 15 appearances, quickly becoming a fan favourite.

That experience not only gave him a taste of life at the club but also established a connection that could prove influential if he were to be considered for the managerial role. Familiarity with the club’s culture and expectations is often seen as an advantage in situations like this.

Additionally, Bellamy has received praise for his managerial abilities. Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has described him as “exceptional,” a testament to the regard in which he is held within the game.

Other Candidates in the Frame

Bellamy is not the only name under consideration. According to the same reports, Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou is also on Celtic’s shortlist. This suggests that the club is exploring a range of options, from experienced figures to emerging managerial talents.

The presence of multiple candidates indicates that Celtic are casting a wide net in their search. Each potential appointment brings different qualities and levels of experience, and the club must weigh these factors carefully before making a final decision.

While O’Neill remains in charge for now, it is widely expected that he will not be retained on a permanent basis. However, football can be unpredictable, and a strong finish to the season could at least prompt some reconsideration from the board.

Robbie Keane Previously Linked

Before Bellamy’s emergence as a candidate, Robbie Keane had been strongly linked with the Celtic job. The current Ferencvaros manager was reportedly viewed as a leading contender, with the club’s hierarchy believing he would be a good fit.

Keane’s managerial record includes league title successes in both Israel and Hungary, achievements that have enhanced his reputation in a relatively short period of time. His experience of managing in European competitions is another factor that works in his favour, particularly given Celtic’s regular participation in continental tournaments.

This level of experience could be seen as a significant advantage over other candidates who have yet to manage at that level.

Changing Circumstances Around Keane

There has been an interesting twist regarding Keane’s situation in recent weeks. He had been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Tottenham Hotspur managerial position, alongside high-profile names such as Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino.

However, Tottenham have since appointed De Zerbi on a long-term deal, effectively removing that potential opportunity for Keane. As a result, Celtic may now find themselves in a stronger position if they decide to pursue him, as his options elsewhere appear more limited.

Reports also suggest that Keane would be open to taking the Celtic job, particularly if opportunities in English football do not materialise. This willingness could make negotiations more straightforward should the club choose to move in that direction.

A Crucial Decision for Celtic’s Future

The decision facing Celtic is a significant one. The next managerial appointment will play a key role in shaping the club’s direction, both domestically and in European competitions.

With several viable candidates available, including Bellamy, Keane, and Askou, the club must carefully consider what qualities they value most in their next manager. Experience, tactical approach, familiarity with the club, and the ability to deliver immediate results are all likely to be important factors.

At the same time, the current state of the team and the outcome of the ongoing season could influence the final decision. If O’Neill manages to engineer a dramatic turnaround and secure the league title, it could complicate the situation further.

Conclusion: An Uncertain but Pivotal Moment

Celtic find themselves at a pivotal moment, both in terms of their current campaign and their long-term future. The search for a new manager is taking place against the backdrop of a challenging season, adding to the pressure on the club’s leadership.

Craig Bellamy’s reported openness to the role adds another intriguing option to the mix, while Robbie Keane remains a strong contender with a proven track record. With Jens Berthel Askou also in consideration, the club has multiple paths it could take.

Ultimately, the decision will need to balance ambition with stability, ensuring that the next appointment can guide Celtic back to consistent success. Until that choice is made, speculation will continue, and the focus will remain on both the managerial search and the team’s efforts to salvage their season.