NafisaCeltic chiefs are facing a major call over who will become the club’s next permanent manager, although one contender has reportedly made it very clear that he wants the role, according to journalist Ronnie Charters.
On the pitch, Celtic remain firmly involved in the Scottish Premiership title race with three matches still to play, having recorded victories over Falkirk and Hibernian since the split.
The Hoops currently sit second, still three points behind leaders Hearts, who have also collected maximum points from their fixtures against Hibs and Rangers.
Derek McInnes’ side secured a 2-1 win over the Ibrox club to strengthen hopes of becoming the first side outside the Old Firm to lift the league title since Sir Alex Ferguson guided Aberdeen to glory back in 1985.
That defeat has effectively ended Rangers’ title ambitions, with the Light Blues now losing both of their post-split matches after suffering just two league defeats before that stage of the season.
Danny Rohl’s men could still play a huge part in deciding where the title ends up, though, with a trip to Parkhead awaiting them on Sunday lunchtime.
There is also the prospect of a huge showdown between Celtic and Hearts on the final day of the campaign at Celtic Park.
Jens Berthel Askou Wants Celtic Job:
In between Celtic’s upcoming clashes against Rangers and Hearts comes a difficult visit to Motherwell, who have emerged as the best of the rest outside the top three in the Premiership this season.
Jens Berthel Askou has earned praise working with one of the division’s smaller budgets, and he notably outclassed Celtic and Wilfried Nancy during a 2-0 victory at Fir Park in December.
According to STV journalist Charters, speaking on the STV radio football show via 67 Hail Hail, the Danish coach is eager to move to Parkhead after completing his first full campaign in charge of Motherwell.
He said: “I know for a fact he wants the Celtic job. Jens is very interested in the Celtic job.
“He would like to speak to Michael Nicholson.”
Who Else is in Contention for the Celtic Job?
The first major decision Celtic’s hierarchy must make is whether there is any possibility of keeping Martin O’Neill in the position if he finishes the season by delivering a Premiership and Scottish Cup double.
If they opt against that route, or if the Northern Irishman decides he is ready to step aside, then Berthel Askou is expected to remain one of the leading names under consideration.
The concern surrounding the Dane is his lack of experience at the highest level. He has only spent a year managing in the Premiership and has yet to oversee a side in European competition.
One figure who can bring that kind of experience is Robbie Keane, who has already won league titles with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel and Ferencvaros in Hungary.
Reports earlier this year suggested the Republic of Ireland legend had emerged as a frontrunner for the role, while Wales manager Craig Bellamy has also been mentioned as a possible option.
Celtic decision-makers are believed to feel Keane would be very interested in the vacancy, with their chances of landing him potentially improved now that the Tottenham position is no longer available.
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