Martin O’Neill once again backs ‘strong willed’ Roy Keane for Celtic job

Martin O’Neill has backed his friend and former colleague Roy Keane to be a success as Celtic manager, should the club decide to appoint the Irishman. The legendary former Celtic manager has said repeatedly that Keane has got the abilities to be a success but MON once again made the case for appointing Keane on BBC Scotland Sportsound.

“He’s got the personality for a start. He was a massive player, an iconic figure in the game, one of the best midfield players in the modern day Premier League. He led and cajoled Manchester United on for almost a decade.

“He’s very strong-willed, and I know people then start to feel strong-willed people do not necessarily change or adapt. He has certainly got the capacity to do that – to motivate players, absolutely.

Photo: Ryan Byrne

“I worked with him at close hand. Sometimes in this game you get a reputation and that supersedes anything that you’re trying to do. Roy Keane has learned a great deal in the intervening years.

“He was my assistant at Ireland and I know that’s a totally different job, but has Roy Keane got the personality to manage at the very top? Absolutely.”

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. He has most recently been a pundit for Sky Sports and whilst his rants have been humorous, you have to wonder whether the legendary midfielder has what it takes to be successful in the dugout given the seismic changes in football management in the last decade.

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 was Desmond’s favourite to become Neil Lennon’s replacement in 2014 but no deal transpired.

Keane would certainly have the capacity to take over as Celtic manager, he was an exceptional player and learned from the best in Clough and Ferguson; however, many fear that the modern game may be too much for Keane given he has been out of the game for so long. He may also struggle with the financial disparity in Scotland compared to the games that he watches over in England.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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