Roy Keane has apparently told mates that he feels his chance of managing Celtic has gone.
The story broke this morning in The Sun with the reporter, Alan Nixon, previously claiming that the Irishman was keen on taking on the job vacated by Neil Lennon in February.
Normally the main stories in The Sun will appear between 10.30-11pm but this one certainly has the feeling of breaking news.
At 9.54 on Sunday morning The Sun reported:
ROY KEANE fears he has been overlooked for the Celtic job – despite talks with the Hoops board.
The Manchester United and Ireland legend hoped to get a shot at his dream appointment and was backed by ex-Hoops boss Martin O’Neill, who he served under as Ireland No 2. But Keane’s chances are now fading fast after Eddie Howe’s interview.
The Corkman, 49, who managed Sunderland and Ipswich, split opinions in the club’s hierarchy, with some liking his passion while others wanted a more modern coach. Keane has told mates he feels the chance has gone.
Keane has been out of direct management for more than a decade but as soon as there is a vacancy at Celtic he is inevitably linked with the job.
Over the last few weeks Martin O’Neill and Graeme Souness have talked up Keane’s suitability for the job but it’s unlikely that the Celtic hierarchy will take too much notice of the thoughts of the former Liverpool and Rangers manager.
Successive polls online from Celtic fans have been heavily against him getting the job but again those views aren’t likely to be at the heart of Celtic’s decision making.
With Dom McKay starting work alongside Peter Lawwell tomorrow there is an expectation among fans of a managerial announcement with Eddie Howe the clear front runner.
