Robbie Keane is emerging as a serious contender for the Celtic manager’s job, with sports ireland readers watching closely as another former Republic of Ireland figure could be pulled into the story. Reports in Scotland suggest Keane wants ex-Ireland winger Jonny Hayes on his backroom team if he lands the role, adding another Irish link to one of the summer’s more intriguing football developments.
Celtic are looking for a permanent appointment after Martin O’Neill guided the club to a domestic double in an interim spell. O’Neill’s recent success has kept him in the conversation, but there is understandable doubt about whether the 74-year-old is the long-term answer. That has opened the door for Keane, who recently left Ferencvaros after a productive period in Hungary.
Why Robbie Keane’s Celtic plan matters in sports ireland coverage
The most interesting detail is Keane’s reported interest in Hayes. The pair were not Ireland teammates for long, but there is a clear coaching connection. Hayes visited Ferencvaros earlier this year during his Pro Licence work, giving him a close look at Keane’s methods on the training ground.
That matters because Hayes already knows Celtic well. He is part of the club’s youth setup, so a step into the senior staff would be logical rather than speculative. According to the reports, former Celtic captain Scott Brown could also be involved, which would give any Keane-led ticket strong knowledge of the dressing room, the support, and the club’s standards.
For fans following ireland sports news, the story also fits a wider trend: more former Irish sports stars moving into high-level coaching and management roles abroad. In ireland soccer news terms, Keane’s next move feels significant not just for Celtic but for how Irish coaches are viewed in Britain and beyond.
- Keane is expected to hold talks with Celtic this week
- Jonny Hayes is reportedly under consideration for the coaching staff
- Scott Brown has also been mentioned as a possible addition
The next few days should bring clarity. If Keane gets the job, sports ireland audiences will want to see not only who joins his staff, but how quickly Celtic move to shape their squad for the new season.
