Celtic manager target issues official response to appointment rumours

Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane has played down speculation that he could become the next permanent Celtic manager.

The former Republic of Ireland striker made 19 appearances and scored 16 goals across a four-month loan spell at Celtic Park in 2010 and he has been heavily linked with becoming the club’s replacement for Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers, 52, resigned a Celtic boss on 27 October and Martin O’Neill was subsequently appointed as the Scottish giants’ interim head coach. Celtic have won three of their four fixtures since O’Neill’s arrival and it’s understood he would be eager to extend his stay at the club.

Keane, on the other hand, has poured cold water on suggestions that he could be appointed by the Bhoys.

“I can’t do anything about the speculation, but maybe it means I’m doing my job well here and that’s the most important thing,” Keane told reporters when asked about interest from Celtic (via The Daily Record).

“I’m happy here. I don’t really want to react to every rumour, but I played football for many years and whatever club I played for, everyone would always talk about where I would go next.

“So I don’t worry about it. I focus on one thing and that’s Ferencvaros. Look at the unity of the team and the relationship with the supporters here.

“After the full time whistle, the fans kept calling me over. It was impressive, it felt good and meant a lot. Their encouragement and support throughout the match was fantastic.”

Next Celtic manager odds

Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen is currently the favourite to become the next permanent Celtic manager and transfer reporter Graeme Bailey has revealed he is eager to join the Scottish giants.

However, he is reportedly only interested in leaving Bodo/Glimt when their Champions League campaign comes to an end.

Meanwhile, Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy is the second-favourite for the job, and interim boss O’Neill is third.

Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna has been linked with the Celtic role in recent weeks and is the bookies’ fourth-favourite, ahead of Ruud van Nistelrooy, John Kennedy, Roberto Martinez and the aforementioned Keane.

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