Celtic is encouraged to make a “fantastic” move by hiring the title-winning manager who turned down Tottenham.

Celtic have been strongly backed to make what has been described as a “fantastic” managerial appointment as Martin O’Neill edges closer to the end of his latest spell in charge at Parkhead.

The experienced Irishman returned to the dugout on an interim basis for a second time following another turbulent period behind the scenes, and while he has managed to steady matters, attention is already beginning to shift towards who will permanently lead the club into the future.

Huge Old Firm showdown could define the title race

Before Celtic can fully focus on life beyond O’Neill, however, there remains the enormous task of navigating one of the most significant Old Firm clashes in recent Scottish Premiership history.

Sunday’s showdown with Rangers at Celtic Park could prove decisive in determining the destination of the league title.

With only three matches remaining, Celtic currently sit three points behind league leaders Hearts. Victory over Rangers would keep the Hoops firmly in contention heading into the final stretch of the season, while anything less could effectively hand Hearts their first league championship since 1960.

For Rangers, hopes of lifting the title themselves remain slim, but the Ibrox side know they have the opportunity to deliver a devastating blow to their fiercest rivals’ ambitions.

The stakes surrounding the fixture could hardly be higher. Pride, prestige, financial rewards linked to European qualification, and the battle for domestic supremacy are all wrapped into one massive encounter in Glasgow this weekend.

Hearts piling pressure on Celtic

The pressure on O’Neill’s side has intensified further after Hearts defeated Rangers 2-1 at Tynecastle earlier in the week to extend their advantage at the summit.

Hearts now face Motherwell on Saturday, before Celtic have the opportunity to respond the following day.

Should Hearts secure another victory and Celtic fail to beat Rangers, the title race could effectively be over before the final two rounds of fixtures.

That scenario leaves Celtic with virtually no room for error as they attempt to keep their hopes of retaining the Scottish Premiership crown alive.

Martin O’Neill preparing to depart

Regardless of how the title race concludes, one thing already appears certain: O’Neill’s latest spell in charge is nearing its end.

The 74-year-old stepped back into the role on an emergency basis after Brendan Rodgers departed the club, and later returned again following what many supporters viewed as the disastrous Wilfried Nancy period.

While results and performances have not always been perfect, O’Neill has succeeded in stabilising the team during difficult circumstances and ensuring Celtic remain competitive domestically.

Still, his current agreement expires this summer, and the club are actively searching for a long-term successor capable of leading the next chapter at Parkhead.

As a result, speculation regarding potential candidates has continued to intensify in recent weeks.

Robbie Keane emerging as serious contender

Among the various names linked with the Celtic job, one candidate appears to be gathering increasing momentum — former Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane.

The 45-year-old has impressed many observers with the work he has carried out at Hungarian giants Ferencvaros, and now respected pundit Don Hutchison has publicly endorsed him as the ideal appointment for Celtic.

Hutchison, who regularly covers European football for ESPN, revealed he has closely followed Keane’s managerial progress in Budapest and believes the former striker possesses all the qualities required to thrive in Glasgow.

Importantly, the former Scotland international did not merely compliment Keane’s work politely. Instead, he went much further by suggesting Celtic should seriously consider placing him at the very top of their shortlist.

Don Hutchison praises Keane’s football style

Speaking about Keane’s achievements, Hutchison explained that he has watched Ferencvaros regularly while commentating on Europa League and Conference League fixtures.

According to Hutchison, Keane’s side have consistently impressed with their style of play and tactical organisation.

He praised the attractive football Ferencvaros have produced under the Irishman’s guidance and suggested it is only a matter of time before Keane returns to a higher-profile managerial role.

Hutchison also referenced the speculation linking Keane with the Tottenham Hotspur job following uncertainty surrounding Ange Postecoglou’s future in North London.

Reports at the time indicated Spurs were considering offering Keane a short-term contract until the end of the season, but the Irishman ultimately rejected that possibility.

According to Hutchison, Keane’s refusal made complete sense because the former striker is looking for long-term stability rather than temporary opportunities.

Celtic told Keane should be priority target

Hutchison then made his feelings crystal clear regarding Celtic’s managerial search.

He stated that if O’Neill leaves the club this summer, Keane would represent a “fantastic” appointment and should probably become the number one target for the Parkhead hierarchy.

The pundit believes Keane’s modern football philosophy, personality, ambition and growing managerial experience make him ideally suited to the demands of managing Celtic.

His comments are likely to fuel even more speculation among supporters already intrigued by the possibility of Keane returning to Glasgow.

Keane building impressive reputation in Hungary

Keane himself has repeatedly spoken about his desire to manage at the highest level possible.

The former striker has openly admitted he has little interest in standing still professionally and is determined to continue progressing as a coach and manager.

His work at Ferencvaros has certainly strengthened his reputation considerably.

In his first season in charge, Keane guided the Hungarian club to the league title while also leading them into the European knockout stages for the first time in years.

One particularly eye-catching result came earlier in the campaign when Ferencvaros defeated Rangers in Europe — a performance that further elevated Keane’s profile within Scottish football circles.

Those achievements have not gone unnoticed, especially given the pressure and expectations attached to managing one of Hungary’s biggest clubs.

Scott Brown visit fuels speculation

Recent events have only intensified the rumours connecting Keane with Celtic.

Former Celtic captain Scott Brown was recently spotted in Budapest attending a Ferencvaros Hungarian Cup semi-final.

That visit immediately sparked fresh speculation among fans and media regarding possible behind-the-scenes discussions over the managerial vacancy at Parkhead.

While there has been no official confirmation linking Brown’s visit to Celtic’s search, the timing naturally generated excitement and intrigue among supporters.

Dermot Desmond connection remains important

One factor that potentially separates Keane from many other candidates is his strong relationship with influential Celtic shareholder Dermot Desmond.

Desmond famously played a key role in bringing Keane to Celtic on loan in 2010, personally helping finance the move that allowed the striker to spend six months at Parkhead.

Although Keane’s playing spell in Glasgow was relatively short, the relationship between the two men has remained strong ever since.

That connection could prove highly significant if Celtic decide to move seriously for the Ferencvaros manager this summer.

Contract demands could shape negotiations

Hutchison also highlighted another important detail regarding Keane’s future ambitions.

According to the pundit, Keane would only be interested in returning to a bigger club if he received meaningful backing, long-term security, and sufficient freedom to build his own project.

That stance reportedly explains why he was not attracted by the possibility of taking over Tottenham on a temporary basis.

Keane appears determined to avoid short-term arrangements and instead wants an environment where he can genuinely establish something sustainable over several years.

For Celtic, that means any potential negotiations would likely involve discussions surrounding contract length, transfer backing and long-term planning.

Celtic face major decision this summer

As the dramatic Scottish Premiership title race approaches its conclusion, Celtic simultaneously face another massive decision regarding the club’s future direction.

O’Neill has provided stability during challenging circumstances, but the search for a permanent successor is already well underway behind the scenes.

With Robbie Keane continuing to impress abroad and receiving glowing endorsements from respected figures within the game, his candidacy is only becoming stronger.

Whether Celtic ultimately decide to pursue the former striker remains to be seen, but there is no doubt his growing reputation, strong Celtic connections and ambitious managerial outlook make him one of the most fascinating names linked with the Parkhead job.

For now, though, attention remains firmly fixed on Sunday’s potentially season-defining clash against Rangers — a match that could shape not only the outcome of the title race, but perhaps the entire direction of Celtic’s future.