‘I think he would do a good job, I’ve no doubt about that’, former Celtic captain backs Roy Keane

Jackie McNamara has backed Roy Keane to be a success as Celtic boss, should the Irishman be appointed as the next manager of the Parkhead club. The former Celtic and Manchester United midfielder reportedly threw his name in the ring last weekend and ex-Celtic captain McNamara told 67HailHail that he has no doubts Keane would succeed.

“I wouldn’t mind Roy Keane. I liked him as a player and like him as a pundit.

“He doesn’t mess about with his words. I think he would do a good job, I’ve no doubt about that.

“I always liked him as a player and came up against him when he was manager at Sunderland and I was at Wolverhampton.

“Big Mick was the manager of Wolves. It was an awkward moment between the two of them, I was talking to Mick and Roy came out..

“He speaks his mind, he’s not really bothered who he upsets on the way to a win.”

Keane made just 13 appearances for Celtic, scoring once before he was forced to retire. Keane would help Celtic complete a double that season with the League Cup and League, his last as a player. The outspoken Sky Sports pundit has a good relationship with Dermot Desmond and Desmond wanted him to become Neil Lennon’s replacement in 2014 but no deal transpired.

“Maybe he’s got regrets about not taking it and wants a shot at it. I would have no problems with him coming in. I think he’d do a good job.

“I understand certain bits – he’s been out of club management for so long. He’d lean towards to the older-school approach. Some players don’t respond to that now.

“At the same time, the fans would want that passion and win those battles.”

Ultimately Keane is not the kind of name that fans were hoping for, preferring a more Brendan Rodgers-type appointment instead of an ex-player. Keane would certainly be a box office name, bringing the passion and fight that earned him various accolades and awards during a trophy-laden career. However, the real concern for Celtic supporters is how long he has been out of management.