Report: Ange Postecoglou Celtic’s preferred option on three name shortlist

Robbie Keane, Kieran McKenna and Ange Postecoglou are the possible contenders for the permanent Celtic managerial position, and according to a report in The Telegraph, Big Ange is the preferred option…

Robbie Keane, Head Coach of Ferencvaros (R), looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between FC Salzburg and Ferencvarosi TC at Stadion Salzburg on October 23, 2025 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Keane, who enjoyed a four-month loan spell at Celtic in 2010, is currently managing Ferencvaros, having led them to the Hungarian league title last season.

He guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli league title during the 2023/24 season, and according to The Telegraph, the Irishman is among the names on Celtic’s shortlist for the permanent managerial role. The report also states that Ange Postecoglou and Kieran McKenna are on the three-man shortlist.

Caretaker manager Martin O’Neill has dismissed any notion of staying on permanently, stating that he is merely overseeing the team until the club appoints a younger coach with proven experience.

Kieran McKenna, Manager of Ipswich Town, applauds the fans following the Championship match between Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town at Riverside Stadium on October 17, 2025. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

McKenna has earned respect at Celtic for steering the Portman Road club from League One to the Premier League through consecutive promotions, while ex-Celtic boss Postecoglou is the club’s preferred candidate following his departure from Nottingham Forest.

Ange Postecoglou lifts the Europa League Trophy — Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, lifts the UEFA Europa League Trophy after his sides victory in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

With both Brighton and Chelsea previously showing interest, securing McKenna’s services could prove costly for Celtic, as he signed a lucrative deal last year running until 2028, making him one of the best-paid managers in English football.

Compelled to end his playing career prematurely, the 39-year-old began coaching at Tottenham before moving to Manchester United and is now among the candidates Dermot Desmond is considering while the interim duo of O’Neill and Shaun Maloney manages the side following the shock exit of Brendan Rodgers.

Shaun Maloney and Martin O'Neill at Celtic Park — Shaun Maloney and Martin O’Neill at Celtic Park on October 28, 2025 (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Maloney has since distanced himself from the permanent job, revealing at yesterday’s media conference that he will return to his role as Professional Player Pathway Manager once the club find a manager.

“No. I came back here in a role with the board and Brendan,” he said. “I’m going to try my best to support Martin and the players, but I’m very similar to Martin. I’m here in the interim, then I will go back to my role.”

Here’s yesterday’s media conference from Celtic Park with Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney which was attended by The Celtic Star…

Conor Spence

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