We have seen a few Celtic returns take place in recent times. Brendan Rodgers was brought back for a second spell as the club's manager in the summer of 2023, replacing Ange Postecoglou, who left for Tottenham Hotspur. Jota made his return in the winter and has looked bright since then, reestablishing himself as a starter for the Hoops. Soon, Kieran Tierney will pull on the Hoops once again, having already agreed a pre-contract agreement with his boyhood team.
There has been speculation about more returns as well. Kyogo could be an option in the summer, as his time at Rennes seems to be running out already. Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer have been suggested as potential options to reunite with Rodgers as well.
Now, a former Celtic coach has been backed to make a Parkhead return. He is being viewed as someone capable of sitting on the manager's hot seat and considering his start to life in the dugout, it is not hard to understand why.
The former Celtic coach in question is none other than Damien Duff. As reported by Glasgow World, his old Fulham teammate Giorgios Karagounis said:
"Could Damien Duff manage Celtic or Chelsea? Why not. As a team-mate, Damien Duff was special. He was very professional at Fulham and he helped me a lot. He always gave everything 100%.
“He was a great team-mate and a very good friend, I think he will have a very good career as a coach. He has a winning mentality and I wish him well, he is an extraordinary guy."
Irish legend tipped to make Celtic return as manager
Of course, there is not much that needs to be said about Duff's achievements as a player. He is one of the best in the history of Irish football, having won a couple of Premier League titles with Chelsea, a League Cup with Blackburn Rovers, the UEFA Intertoto Cup with Newcastle United and plenty more silverware. He also made a hundred appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team.
Duff's start to life in management has been quite impressive as well. He had coaching roles at plenty of places, including Celtic. But his first head role came at Shelbourne, with whom he has been with since 2021.
Since then, he has won two trophies with the club, including a league title. And it does look like he has a very bright future in management.