Saturday was an important day for Celtic who are hoping to win the Premiership title, with Martin O'Neill overseeing a 3-1 win at Parkhead to close the gap to just two points on the league leaders.
With Hearts enduring a shock defeat at Rugby Park, the momentum is starting to shift a bit, with the Hoops managing to end any lingering talk of surprise at Motherwell's title charge in the process.
And in the bigger picture, was the meeting between the Celtic manager and his potential replacement? Manager Jens Berthel Askou is being tipped to replace O'Neill this summer, following a fine season in charge at Fir Park.
The Danish coach is not the only candidate – Robbie Keane is also in the running – but his work in 2025/26 cannot be overlooked, while the man himself appears to be keen on a move by all accounts.
The latest in Jens Askou's potential move to Celtic
If Saturday's clash was an interview, Askou may have been disappointed with the result, even though his side were eventually relegated following Emmanuel Longelo's red card.
Either way, the 47-year-old's recruitment so far remains remarkable, with Athletic's Jordan Campbell recently hailing Motherwell as “Britain's most interesting club”.
Indeed, Askou has built the best defense in the division, conceding just 23 goals, albeit using an attractive and progressive style of play following his arrival from IFK Goteborg last summer.
A move to Parkhead has been heavily mooted in recent weeks and months, with O'Neill expected to leave permanently at the end of the campaign, after helping twice this season.
According to journalist Michael Gannon, speaking on the Record Celtic Podcast on Monday, Askou is believed to be “very keen” on a switch, just after a solitary season at Fir Park:
“This is what I am told [Askou] he is very serious about that Celtic job. I know some people say he's looking too far and that, but from what I hear, from people close to his route, he was running along the M74 to Parkhead.
I don't think there is any doubt about that at all. I think he will take it to heart.”
If Askou is to be the man, he will need to be backed up enough this summer, with a potential deal standing out above the rest.
Celtic could find Cvancara's development a dream for first-team player Askou
Chaos does not close at all when discussing Celtic's season so far, although even after Brendan Rodgers' resignation, and Wilfried Nancy's 33-day disaster, O'Neill has led the Hoops back into title contention, with a Scottish Cup win likely on the cards as well.
Celtic are now ready to appoint a 4-2-3-1 manager who plays “amazing football” like Martin O'Neill as his successor.
The Hoops are planning life after O'Neill.
The 74-year-old is aiming for something to happen again even if he is 'blessed' with a flawed, bloated and injury-riddled Glasgow squad, which has yet to feature a proven or effective striker.
Come January, Junior Adamu, has already come out of the cold, as he also signed a free agent, Kelechi Iheanacho, who has real signs of life that have appeared in Tomas Cvancara in recent weeks and months.
The Czech striker netted from the penalty spot last week, although it was only his second goal since signing on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach, with the judge whether Celtic should invest a reported £7m to sign him permanently this summer.
Instead, Celtic – especially if led by Askou – should look to Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise as an upgrade, as the Zimbabwean has enjoyed a successful, outstanding season in 2025/26.
Signed from Leicester City in 2024, after playing alone, Maswanhise has built blood in his first year to stand out this time, leading the division with 16 goals so far.
Such form sparked “huge interest” in his signing back in the winter window, as Askou later revealed, although the Premiership's top-flight side are holding firm, with a possible summer move away.
|
Celtic Strikers* – 25/26 SPFL |
||
|---|---|---|
|
The player |
Games |
Goals |
|
Kenny |
15 |
4 |
|
Heanacho |
5 |
2 |
|
Cvancara |
7 |
2 |
|
Adam |
3 |
0 |
|
Osmand |
1 |
0 |
|
Yamada |
8 |
0 |
|
Total |
39 |
8 |
|
*Let's wash it |
27 |
16 |
Reports last month suggested the 23-year-old – who is reportedly worth £5m – could be allowed to leave before next term, 'He is ready to listen to offers.
Maswanhise – who described Askou as “similar” to his former Leicester boss Rodgers – has already flourished under the Scandinavian's watch, confirming his form could be similar if he follows his manager to Glasgow.
Cvancara – or 'Big Tam' – has his qualities, but now he has scored just 12 goals since the start of 2023/24 in all competitions, whether he is the solution as Celtic's best striker remains to be seen.
In Maswanhise, who boasts 21 goals this season alone, the Hoops could get a nice upgrade, so such a deal would be the best if Askou takes over this summer.
Celtic could see £5m bid accepted to sign their best talent since O'Riley
Celtic have been told how much it would cost to sign one of their reported transfer targets this summer.
