Two new names added to the race to be next Celtic manager

After Neil Lennon stepped down as the Celtic manager following their 1-0 defeat at the hands of then bottom-placed Ross County, John Kennedy was named as the interim boss. And while one cannot rule out the chances of him getting the job on a permanent basis if the team starts performing at a high level once again, the general belief is that the club are looking to bring a new manager.

The decision will most likely be taken when Dominic McKay replaces Neil Lennon as the chief executive at the end of the season. And a number of names have been mentioned when it comes to the role.

Eddie Howe and Rafa Benitez have been the two names who have done the most rounds. While others like Frank Lampard and Roberto Martinez are not far behind either. One has to question though whether those are realistic options for Celtic at this stage.

Chris Sutton has decided to throw in two names into the hat though, who he believes could do a decent job at Parkhead if given the chance. And the two are Michael O’Neill and Mick McCarthy. Speaking with BT Sport, he said:

"“Maybe Celtic have something up the sleeve, Dermot Desmond has something up the sleeve and will pull somebody in from the continent with a big reputation.“I think somebody like a Michael O’Neill, I think has done a pretty decent job throughout his management career. Maybe have a shot for somebody like him.“I’ll tell you an interesting one down south. Mick McCarthy has gone into Cardiff City and turned them round.”"

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Who could be the next Celtic manager?

Both names that Sutton suggested are interesting ones to be honest. Both managers have done decent jobs through the course of their careers. But are they names, the Celtic fans will be satisfied with?

Neither of them are the blockbuster appointments that Benitez or Howe would be. And do they have the ability to come in and turn things around completely in a short span of time? Because that is what the club need to do next season.

Guess only time will tell and names will continue to crop up until the club appoint a new manager or give Kennedy the job on a permanent basis, if he does indeed manage to produce impressive results over the next few months.