Celtic's next-manager decision has slipped into next week, with talks between Martin O'Neill and Dermot Desmond delayed again. O'Neill has already made the key point himself, saying he will have a look but would not take on a long-term project. Robbie Keane is still the main alternative under discussion if O'Neill removes himself.

Why O'Neill's hesitation matters

The most revealing line in all of this is not about sentiment, it is about energy. After the Scottish Cup Final win over Dunfermline, O'Neill said he would "have a wee look" but would not take on a "project". He also told the Daily Record: "I don't know what's in his mind, whether I would have the energy to do it again, I really don't know." That is the issue now. Celtic are not asking whether he can win them a title, because he already has. They are asking whether he wants, and can sustain, another spell on the job.

O'Neill's return has delivered enough to keep the discussion alive. Celtic finished the Premiership campaign with 82 points, 26 wins and a 32 goal difference after 38 matches, and they won their final five league matches. That form explains why there is a real temptation to keep him in place. It also explains why the club have not rushed the call.

Why Keane is still the obvious alternative

If O'Neill steps aside, Robbie Keane is the name most clearly waiting. Celtic are expected to speak to him more formally in that scenario, and he is already being discussed as a serious option rather than a speculative one. Teddy Sheringham said he is sure Keane is already on Celtic's radar and added that he will be Celtic manager one day.

Keane's recent coaching record gives that view some weight. He won a title in his first season at Ferencvaros, then added the Israeli Premier League and Toto Cup with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2024. That is not a guarantee of anything at Celtic, but it is a stronger profile than a name being floated on reputation alone.

For now, though, this remains a search rather than a decision. Desmond was expected to move this week, but the talks have been pushed back. Celtic are still weighing whether to stay with the manager who has just delivered the Double, or move to a younger candidate in the next round of discussions.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →