Next Celtic manager odds: Robbie Keane should be considered

October 28, 2025

Celtic are searching for a new permanent manager after Brendan Rodgers sensationally resigned from his position on Monday evening.

Dermot Desmond, the majority shareholder of Celtic, released a damning statement about the Northern Irishman, saying he contributed to a “toxic atmosphere” at the club.

They have rolled back the years by appointing 73-year-old Martin O’Neill as interim manager, 20 years after he left the dugout at Celtic Park and six years since his last job.

Shaun Maloney has been named as his assistant.

Attention will turn to Falkirk at home on Wednesday before the huge Scottish League Cup semi-final with Rangers on Sunday.

Celtic will want to make a swift appointment, and we’ve taken a look at the Irish candidates who could take the helm.

Robbie Keane to manage Celtic?

Currently the boss at Hungarian side Ferencváros, Keane is quietly going about his business while building his managerial reputation.

The 45-year-old stepped into the dugout with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he spent a year, earning a hugely impressive 73% win ratio on their way to the league and cup double.

After six months out of the game, he returned with Ferencváros, where he helped guide them to the league title. It was Ferencváros’ eighth consecutive league title.

However, it’s in Europe where his side continues to impress. They pulled off a major scalp by defeating Red Bull Salzburg away from home in the Europa League and currently sit unbeaten after three games.

Keane has opened himself with a move to a top club previously, but is happy to bide his time and wait for the right opportunity.

He said: “I’m taking a different route from everybody else. I’m not scared to go abroad and learn the trade with two top teams. Eventually, of course, at some stage, but I’m really enjoying it at the moment.

“It’s a massive club, great people that work there. Fans are great, so all I have to do is keep winning, keep enjoying myself and who knows what will happen in the future.”

Odds: 10/1

Damien Duff

Duff’s next move is highly intriguing after his surprise title success with Shelbourne last season.

He guided his former side to the summit of the League of Ireland for the first time since 2006, before dramatically quitting after three-and-a-half years in charge.

Roy Keane recently endorsed Duff as the man he would love to work with if he were to step back into management.

He’s been flying under the radar since leaving Shelbourne, but recently announced he “will be back doing something soon.”

Duff has also been linked with the Ireland manager position should Heimir Hallgrimsson lose his role.

His playing career holds him in great stead but the jump from Shelbourne to Celtic may be too much too soon.

Odds: 14/1

Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has shared his disappointment with Brendan Rodgers following his resignation pic.twitter.com/JzU3UtwB8E

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 27, 2025

Kieran McKenna

It’s an intriguing link if Celtic opt to appoint another fellow Northern Irishman in McKenna.

Once linked with Manchester United, McKenna remains manager of Ipswich despite their return to the Championship last season.

Adored at Ipswich after taking them to the promised land against all the odds, the Tractor Boys have struggled to make an impact in the second tier this season.

They were one of the favourites for promotion, but they currently sit in 12th with four victories from their opening 11 games.

His win record at Ipswich stands at 45% and while his position at the club remains safe, there could be a growing feeling that he has taken the club as far as he can.

Again, the step up is a huge one, but with Premier League experience under his belt, McKenna could be a viable option.

Odds: 9/1