Celtic have been told they can “convince” the three-time promotion-winning manager to move to Parkhead to replace Martin O'Neill.
O'Neill hints at Celtic's future
O'Neill has done an impressive job of bringing the Hoops back into Scottish Premiership title contention, during his second spell as interim manager this season, with his side winning their last six away league games.
As such, the Glasgow giants will be crowned champions if they beat Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday, moving within a point of Derek McInnes' side with a stunning 3-2 win at Motherwell on Wednesday.
O'Neill's side also have a good chance of winning the Scottish Cup, with Championship side Dunfermine Athletic awaiting in the final, which takes place on May 23.
However, despite the success of the 74-year-old player, he revealed that he will leave in the summer. When asked if there was any chance the recent Glasgow Derby against Rangers would not be his last in charge, O'Neill said: “I would have thought… that would be the last one really. I'm not sure your heart can take any more of these derbies.”
Celtic have backed the signing of Kieran McKenna
As such, Dermot Desmond & co will have to bring in a replacement this summer, and are now backed to appoint Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, who recently won promotion to the Premier League for the second time.
The Hoops are locked in a fierce title race with Rangers and Hearts this season, but former scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider McKenna will manage their Scottish rivals.
“I don't think it will happen, because Celtic is an attractive club. It's not just about going up to Scotland, if you ask me if Rangers can get him I'd say no chance, but I think Celtic can convince him.
“If they go to him and say, look, here's your budget, we're going to spend big and sign new players to strengthen and be more ambitious, maybe. They could rule Scotland with McKenna in charge and the right investment, of course it's about whether the club is willing to do it.”
Kieran McKenna's record as Ipswich Town manager
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222 games
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106 wins
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60 pulls
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56 defeat
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1.70 points per game
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Two promotions in the Premier League
The young Englishman has no experience of competing in major trophies, but he certainly knows how to instill a winning mentality, having twice won promotion to the top flight with the Tractor Boys, while also gaining promotion from League One in 2023.
At 40, McKenna, who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, is still young to be a manager, and has been praised by Ipswich captain Dara O'Shea for his recent success, with the Irishman saying: “It's a legendary situation. To do that at any level is unbelievable. To do it at the level he did, it's hard. You can't put it into words.
“I think everyone at the club knows how much he means to Ipswich. He is Ipswich. He has made this club successful in recent years and we are very grateful to have him. I am very happy, very grateful to work under him.”
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Martin O'Neill is about to say goodbye for the third time.
