According to The Scottish Sun, Scotland manager Steve Clarke was reportedly the favourite to take over as the new permanent Celtic manager. After the acrimonious departure of Hoops legend Neil Lennon, Clarke could provide some much-needed stability at Parkhead ahead of next season.
Undoubtedly, Celtic will look to bide their time in order to make the correct appointment, following a season to forget for everyone connected with the club.
This may suit both Clarke and the club, as any potential move may occur after the completion of the EURO 2021 Championships this summer. The 57-year-old is a popular figure in his homeland due to leading the Scotland national team to their first major tournament since 1998.
Throughout that run, the Saltcoats-born boss has worked with Hoops players such as Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie, James Forrest and Greg Taylor. Could familiarity with key players work advantageously if he is to take over the Green-and-White side of Glasgow?
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Would Steve Clarke be the man to take Celtic back to the top of the Scottish Premiership?
Clarke has enjoyed successful spells in charge of West Bromwich Albion and Kilmarnock, which even saw him earn Manager of the Year honours, before making the journey into international football with the Scotland national team. Tactically, he prioritises team cohesion, keeping clean sheets and his sides are built on a solid foundation at the back.
Although his approach might make Celtic play some very defensive football at times, the propensity to maximise the output of players from Clarke has proven to herald results in the past. There is no doubt that his methods are effective if not entertaining.
This could particularly benefit the Hoops in European competition, as they have lacked an element of pragmatism in continental football in recent times. It is questionable though whether the current squad might not be suited to his methods.