John Hartson has backed Roy Keane for the Celtic job after the Irishman reportedly made himself available to replace Neil Lennon for next season. The Welsh striker told Off the Ball that he believes that Keane is the type of manager that Celtic need to go and get, especially after the poor season that has been endured this year.
The former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder has been widely linked with the vacancy despite not having held the position of manager in over a decade. The Ireland legend has been Assistant to Martin O’Neill with Ireland and Nottingham Forest but this doesn’t bother Hartson, who believes that Keane will be able to galvanise this group of players and regain the Premiership title.
“Celtic have not put up a fight. It is 21 points with seven games to go. They have won the league before the split. That is the type of manager that is needed. When we mentioned Roy Keane, I think Roy would be excellent.
“He would be well-respected among the players, he would have learned a lot in terms of what he has achieved up to now. He has come from an assistant role – I wouldn’t be concerned.
“You know me, if I didn’t think Roy was the person that could galvanise the team and get them going, get them organised, then I would be the first one to say that. I think Roy would be good.”
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.
