Roy Keane a good fit for Celtic, according to Martin O'Neill
Friday 13 May 2016 12:35, UK
Roy Keane would be a good fit for Celtic if he is chosen to replace Ronny Deila, according to Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill.
Keane, currently O'Neill's No 2, has not held a full managerial position since leaving Ipswich Town in 2011, but some bookmakers have suspended betting on him taking charge at the Scottish Premiership champions.
The 44-year-old spoke to Celtic two years ago about the managerial vacancy to which Deila was eventually appointed.
Deila will leave Celtic following Sunday's home match against Motherwell - live on Sky Sports 2 HD from midday - and O'Neill is confident the former Manchester United captain could do the job if the Hoops come calling.
"I think Celtic is one of the great clubs in the world and I have to say that he was one of the great players in the world, so that's not a bad fit for a start," said O'Neill, who won three league titles during his five years as Celtic manager.
"Could he do the job? I would have no problems with that whatsoever. Would he be capable of doing that? Absolutely. But as Roy said, you still have to be asked and so far, I'm not so sure that that's been the case.
"But I don't think that he would give things up here lightly. Something would have to, as he often says, his favourite phrase, rock his boat - I think is what he says.
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"But he has enjoyed it here. I think it has been good for him, but is he ready to go? Yes, he could very well be."
Keane has served as O'Neill's No 2 since November 2013 and the pair have formed a solid working partnership as they have guided Ireland to this summer's European Championship in France.
However, O'Neill has always suspected he would ultimately lose his assistant to club management once again and insists he would not stand in his way if the opportunity came along.
Asked if he still expected to be working with Keane when the World Cup qualifiers get under way next season, O'Neill said: "I wouldn't know, really, I certainly wouldn't know that. Anything can happen between now and the start of next season. Who can say?
"But I think I have said to you before, I think Roy will want to go and manage in his own right and make the decisions, which is important. He has been used to making a lot of decisions throughout his life both as a player and a captain, and as a manager.
"I think this has been very, very good for him. Will he want to manage on his own again? Absolutely, and if an opportunity comes up, a really good opportunity, then I would wish him all the best."
