Celtic are likely to be outbid in their bid to land a potential replacement for Martin O'Neill come the end of the season.
The Bhoys are likely to require a new boss come the end of the season due to O'Neill's initial contract coming to an end. There is the possibility of a further year built into the deal, but at this stage, it seems unlikely the relationship will be extended.
O'Neill expressed concern over taking the job full-time due to his age during the summer, and since then, he has hinted at leaving only to stay, so his appetite to do another year is likely to be low, especially after the club let him down by failing to deliver on recruitment promises over the summer.
O'Neill has put on a brave face and largely said the right things to protect those above him, but he spoke regularly about the need for major investment going into the summer, and an ineffective summer window followed, even with a couple of good signings.
One manager Celtic continue to be linked with is former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, who is taking some time out of the game after winning promotion with the Tractor Boys last season. McKenna has taken up a UEFA advisory role in the meantime and seems to be in no rush to get back into the game.
The Hoops may well put out some feelers ahead of the end of the season, but according to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Crystal Palace would be more likely to win the race, and they could be back in the market for a new boss soon due to Pierre Sage's early struggles.
"Keiran McKenna would be a big target for Celtic if they were able to lure him in," said O'Rourke.
"He's got admirers within Celtic Park, but obviously they would have a lot of competition for his services as well, because there are a number of clubs keen on him. Also, I think financially it could be an obstacle for Celtic in that respect because he was on a very good deal at Ipswich.
"Clubs in the Premier League in England probably would be willing to offer him more than maybe Celtic would be, so they would have an advantage if they were to make a move."
Celtic should already be shopping
Celtic should already be putting early feelers out ahead of the end of the season. O'Neill is almost certain to leave, and we saw how much the Bhoys struggled last summer when they didn't know whether O'Neill would stay on.
Robbie Keane is the best they could come up with, and there are certainly better options that him. By the time the end of the season comes, Celtic should have a lengthy list of candidates.
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