ROY KEANE fears he has been overlooked for the Celtic job — despite talks with the Scottish giants.
The Manchester United legend hoped to get a shot at his dream appointment and was backed by ex-Hoops boss Martin O’Neill.
But Keane’s chances are now fading fast after Eddie Howe’s interview and the delay in hearing from Celtic.
The Irishman, 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.
And although he is desperate for the job, Keane has told mates he feels the chance has gone.
Former Bournemouth manager Howe remains in pole position to take over at Celtic Park.
However, he is not expected to join the club until the summer even if both parties can get a deal over then line in the coming weeks.
One major stumbling block in securing the 43-year-old is reportedly Howe’s desire to bring ex-Bournemouth colleague Richard Hughes to the club.
This provides a problem as Celtic are in the process of planning to bring in a new new director of football and head of recruitment.
And Manchester City employee Fergal Harkin is being lined up as the new football director of the Scottish side.
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If talks with Howe do break down, there are some other names in the hat who could be ahead of Keane in the queue.
Ex-Borussia Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre is one man that has declared his interest in the job as speculation rumbles on.
Celtic have been without a full-time manager since Neil Lennon resigned back in February.
The Hoops failed to secure a tenth consecutive league title this season after Rangers cruised to their first Scottish Premiership in a decade.
Graeme Souness revealed his Sky Sports partner Kean is desperate to get back into management and believes going head to head with Steven Gerrard would be box office for Scottish football.
Speaking to Off The Ball, the ex-Ibrox boss said: “He is desperate to get back.
“He’s a football man and I have spoken with him about returning to management. He is very keen to do that.
“Can you imagine how good it would have been if it was Roy Keane vs Steven Gerrard in Glasgow.
“All of a sudden, it wouldn’t just be Scotland, Ireland and a wee bit of England talking about Scottish football, the world would be talking about it.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
