Martin O’Neill Discusses Robbie Keane’s Celtic Connection and Scouting Visit

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill says his long-term future will hinge on how the current campaign finishes. Winning the league or a double would strengthen calls for him to remain. He also addressed speculation over the 2026/27 vacancy and potential successors.

Robbie Keane in the frame

Bookmakers list former Celtic forward Robbie Keane as a leading candidate for the Parkhead job. Keane now manages Hungarian champions Ferencvaros. Martin O’Neill Discusses Robbie Keane’s Celtic Connection when assessing Keane’s prospects.

O’Neill worked with Keane during his time as Republic of Ireland manager. He said Keane has done well at Ferencvaros and deserves to be considered. O’Neill would not rule out Keane for the Celtic vacancy.

Scouting Visit to Deepdale

On Easter Monday O’Neill travelled to Deepdale with coach Mark Fotheringham. They watched Preston North End play Queens Park Rangers, a match that finished 1-1. The trip doubled as a Scouting Visit and a chance to see players live.

O’Neill also used the trip to reconnect with Peter Ridsdale. Ridsdale is a current Preston director who has known O’Neill since the Leeds interest years. O’Neill said he wanted to put potential targets “on the board.”

Forward options and fitness questions

Celtic signed Junior Adamu and Tomas Cvancara in January. Both signings have yet to make the expected impact. O’Neill admitted the new strikers have failed to set the heather alight so far.

Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench at Dens Park and scored the decisive goal with eight minutes left. O’Neill praised his desire and match influence. He also stressed concerns about Iheanacho’s ability to complete 90 minutes consistently.

Cvancara’s struggles

Tomas Cvancara missed several chances in recent games. One effort hit the post, and others suggested a lack of confidence. O’Neill believes a goal could reignite the Czech striker’s form.

The manager noted that centre forwards live and die by goals. He highlighted the need for strikers to show arrogance and self-belief. That trait can be vital during a long goals drought.

Fixtures and end-of-season context

The Premiership split fixtures were released on Tuesday. Celtic will finish the league season at home against Hearts. That final game has generated some unfounded conspiracy chatter.

O’Neill dismissed those theories with humour. He said the SPFL tries to avoid teams playing two straight home matches. He added a light-hearted line about moon landings and JFK to underline the point.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments around O’Neill, potential candidates, and Celtic’s run-in.