Celtic have been told to consider a left-field option to replace Martin O'Neill, who could leave his post at the end of this season. O'Neill took the job on a permanent basis on a one-year deal, though there is the option for him and the club to agree to a further year should the desire be there from both parties.
But it's no secret the 74-year-old has reservations over taking the job on permanently in the first place due to his age, and having had a health scare early in the season, the veteran boss may well move to put family first after this season, and who could blame him?
There is plenty of time between now and then, and O'Neill was already commented that he wants to leave the squad in a good place for whoever comes next. So, we can assume that the veteran boss will inform Celtic of his decision well before the end of the season, so that a replacement can be found, and it's likely Celtic have already done their homework.
According to former Premier League midfielder Kevin Nolan, Brentford assistant and former Chelsea star Damien Duff is worth considering, even though the former midfielder's only senior managerial experience to date came at Shelbourne, but that was over a lengthy four-year spell.
“I think they’re in a good place at the moment,” said Nolan, as reported by The Scotsman. “Obviously, they had that shocker of a Champions League game against LASK not long ago, but they’ll be in the Europa League now. If I’m honest, that probably suits them better, even though the prize money isn’t as good. I think they could do something decent in the Europa League, especially with that home advantage.
“I can see why Damien Duff’s name has been mentioned in relation to the Celtic job. Duffer is a good lad, very astute, and he’s doing really well. He had Joey O’Brien with him in Ireland when he was managing there and Joey then took over. I think he’s someone who could definitely step into that role. He’s with Keith Andrews at Brentford now, so he’s gaining experience as a Premier League assistant, which will be invaluable."
Celtic previously considered Robbie Keane for the role when O'Neill had not yet made his mind up, but that did not go down well for off-the-field reasons that led to fan backlash. The Bhoys are going to have to be more careful with their next target.
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