Exclusive: Brendan Keyes talks Celtic, Ange, Kyogo and more

Brendan Keyes has worn a lot of different hats in football over the years. Player, coach, football team owner, founder of a league, he has seen it all and done it all. On top of everything else, he has also been a Celtic fan for nearly fifty years and is the owner of Celtic FC America.

We had the opportunity to sit down with him and get his take on the current season, and how he sees things playing out from here on.

He talked with us about Ange Postecoglou, Kyogo, Callum McGregor as a captain, the rivalry between Celtic and the Rangers in America and more.

Exclusive Interview with Brendan Keyes about Celtic’s season, Ange, Kyogo and more

What have been your thoughts regarding Ange Postecoglou at Celtic till now?

Things have certainly been difficult for him and he has not been dealt the best hand. Do I think that he is the absolute best man for the job? No!

But I do believe that he deserves time and he should get this year to rebuild and implement his ideas. And I think he will get it, and if he can nick a trophy somehow, brilliant.

Many people believe he came in the worst possible time? I think quite the opposite. He came in at a great time and has very little pressure on him at the moment to produce immediate results. But if he fails to get Celtic into European competition next season, that could be a big worry for him.

Do you think Celtic can challenge for the Premiership title this season?

No. I think they can’t although any thing can happen in football and the Rangers are not at their best either. Last season, the point difference could have already been around 7 or 8.

But the Hoops should have enough quality to finish second at least.

What changes do you think Celtic need to make?

I think they need to make additions straight down the spine of the team. So striker, central midfield, central defence and eventually goalkeeper.

For me, at the back, they still do not look very convincing. In central midfield, Ismaila Soro has not looked good at all. He made a bright start to his Celtic career but has faded away badly. And up front, Kyogo has looked very bright but they need another option there.

Thoughts on Joe Hart?

He is not the long-term solution in goal. He has done well till now but whenever he has the ball at his feet, I get worried. He is not the best fit in this system of football. But for now, he is doing a good job.

How do you think Callum McGregor has done as a captain till now?

I don’t think he is a good captain. He is a very good player in the middle of the park but he does not appear to be a leader to me like Scott Brown was. They might need someone more assertive in that role.

Coming to Kyogo, do you think he can maintain his form at Celtic?

He clearly is not the most physical player and I am afraid that he could get kicked about a lot in Scottish football, and could be in and out of the team. If he can stay fit I think he will score 20 to 25 goals this season.