Top Target: Celtic Likely to Appoint Robbie Keane Over Berthel Askou

Celtic are poised to consider Robbie Keane as their next permanent manager if Martin O’Neill leaves and Keane remains available amid Tottenham interest. With the Premiership split imminent and Celtic trailing Hearts, the club faces a pivotal choice between continuity under O’Neill or a bold, attack-minded appointment. Jens Berthel Askou is a credible alternative, but Keane’s profile — if he’s not heading to Spurs — appears to be the preferred direction.

Celtic eye Robbie Keane if Martin O’Neill departs

Celtic’s succession plans have narrowed to a clear conditional shortlist: if Martin O’Neill does not stay, Robbie Keane is the leading candidate — provided he is not appointed by Tottenham. The decision is time-sensitive with the Scottish Premiership about to split and Celtic trailing Hearts in the title race. The club must weigh short-term stability against a potential longer-term rebuild.

Why the timing matters

Two fixtures remain before the split, and Celtic need a marked improvement to close a gap to Hearts. That urgency compresses the board’s decision window: they must decide whether to offer O’Neill a formal extension or open recruitment for a permanent manager. Any choice now will shape recruitment and preparations for next season.

Martin O’Neill: the continuity argument

O’Neill’s two caretaker spells have steadied Celtic after a difficult campaign. He retains strong support inside the club and among supporters for steadying the ship, and there is a credible argument he should be asked to stay for another year. However, results have been inconsistent and Celtic’s run of form leaves questions about whether O’Neill is the right architect for a title charge next season.

Robbie Keane emerges as the preferred long-term option

Keane’s profile — high name recognition, attacking pedigree, and experience across top leagues as a player — makes him an attractive candidate for a club that prizes offensive football. That appeal is conditional: if Keane becomes Tottenham’s manager, Celtic’s calculus changes. If he remains available, his energy and reputation could be seen as the right tonic for a club wanting to reassert dominance.

How Keane’s candidacy compares to Jens Berthel Askou

Motherwell’s Jens Berthel Askou has enjoyed an impressive season and will be in discussions, but he is viewed by some inside the game as a less likely fit for the top job at Celtic. Askou offers managerial momentum and domestic success, while Keane brings a higher-profile name and the promise of a forward-leaning style that would resonate with fans and align with Celtic’s attacking identity.

What tactical change might look like under Keane

Expect a shift toward high-tempo, front-foot football with emphasis on quick transitions and creative freedom for attackers. Keane would likely encourage pressing from the front, rapid counter transitions and intelligent off-ball movement in the final third — a style designed to entertain and score. That approach would demand investment in athletic, pressing-capable midfielders and forwards who can execute a dynamic system.

Risks and trade-offs

Keane’s relative lack of sustained top-level managerial experience at club level is a legitimate consideration. Moving to an energetic, attack-first approach could yield immediate gains in goal threat but also expose structural weaknesses, particularly if squad rebuilding is slow. The board will need to balance the attraction of style and profile with practical experience and recruitment strategy.

What happens next

Celtic’s board will assess the end-of-season position, hold formal talks with O’Neill, and gauge Keane’s availability amid interest elsewhere. Recruitment, salary budgets and transfer strategy will hinge on that outcome. If Keane is appointed, expect an early emphasis on attacking signings; if O’Neill stays, the focus will likely be consolidation and incremental improvement.

Why this matters

This decision will define Celtic’s short-term competitiveness and long-term identity.

Choosing continuity preserves stability through a turbulent campaign; choosing Keane signals ambition and a stylistic reset.

Andy Robertson has 'easier' Celtic transfer option on to-do list - the alternative could be weekly heartache

Either path carries clear implications for Celtic’s pursuit of domestic honors and their standing in Scottish football.

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