John Hartson backs ‘excellent’ Roy Keane to land Celtic job

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John Hartson has thrown his weight behind Roy Keane becoming the new Celtic manager during an interview with OTB Sports.

The legendary former striker was quizzed on who should step into the breach to replace the recently departed Neil Lennon.

His trusted assistant John Kennedy will take over until the end of the campaign, with the club working to appoint a new manager in the summer.

Celtic are 21 points behind Rangers, with their fierce rivals having already wrapped up their first Scottish Premiership title for 10 years.

Hartson would welcome Keane into the hot seat at Parkhead.

He told OTB Sports: “Celtic have not put up a fight. It’s 21 points with seven games to go. They’ve won the league before the split.

“That is the type of manager that is needed. When we mentioned Roy Keane, I think Roy would be excellent. He would be well-respected among the players, he would have learned a lot in terms of what he has achieved up to now.

“He’s come from an assistant role – I wouldn’t be concerned. I think Roy would be good.”

Keane spent a short time playing for Celtic after his time at Manchester United came to an end. He played 10 times and scored a single goal for the club before retiring from playing in 2006.

He has managed Sunderland and Ipswich, with Keane undertaking assistant manager roles with Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

TBR View: Keane is a risk but it could be a masterstroke

The man who finished his playing career with 67 caps for his country could be just the man to revive Celtic’s flailing fortunes.

He is opinionated, iconic and would undoubtedly instil some pride back into Celtic as a football club.

The risk would come in the fact that he hasn’t managed a club since 2011 when he was sacked as Ipswich boss.

Keane has been out of management for 10 years but he knows the club, he understands the ethos and he gets the supporters.

If Hartson gets his wish, it could be a masterful move by the Hoops’ hierarchy.