Heimir Hallgrimsson is the current manager of the Republic of Ireland national football team. But there are serious question marks over his future and a very good possibility that he could be shown the exit door soon. We have already talked about Damien Duff being a potential contender for the job, if or when it becomes available. Now, it looks like a former Celtic player could be in contention for the seat the in the Irish dugout as well.
Over the years, we have seen many former Celtic players retire from the game and become managers. One who is enjoying a decent bit of success right now is Robbie Keane.
Keane was only on loan at Celtic from Tottenham Hotspur. And while it was a short time, it was very memorable to say the least. He scored 16 goals for the Hoops in just 19 appearances, and it would have been brilliant if the club could have been able to say him on a permanent basis.
Keane is now a manager. Currently, he is at Ferencvaros, where he has had a decent time so far. But bookmakers have placed him as one of the leading contenders for the Ireland national team job.
Former Celtic player among favourites to be next Ireland manager
It is not hard to see why Keane might be a contender for the job. Firstly, he has shown a ton of promise as a manager so far, winning trophies at multiple clubs already.
Secondly, he is one of the greatest Irish players ever. He made 146 appearances for the national team and scored 68 goals for them.
So, it should not come as any surprise if we see Keane in the Irish dugout someday. But is this the right time for him to take that step into international management?
Keane is having a good run in club football at the moment and soon enough, he could be ready for the next step, whether it be in a top five European league or just outside of it at clubs like Ajax, or perhaps even Celtic.