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John Hartson | 'Roy Keane would be excellent as Celtic boss'

John Hartson has given his backing to Roy Keane to be considered for the vacant Celtic manager's ...



Soccer

John Hartson | 'Roy Keane would be excellent as Celtic boss'


John Hartson has given his backing to Roy Keane to be considered for the vacant Celtic manager's job.

Hartson joined The Football Show to discuss what Hartson termed Celtic's 'implosion' this season under Neil Lennon, and believes that Keane would be among the top contenders.

Roy Keane

It is a serious lack of fight displayed by Celtic that concerns the former Welsh striker and he believes there is one man for the job.

"Celtic have not put up a fight. It is 21 points with seven games to go. They have won the league before the split," Hartson said of Celtic's season.

"That is the type of manager that is needed. When we mentioned Roy Keane, I think Roy would be excellent. He would be well-respected among the players, he would have learned a lot in terms of what he has achieved up to now."

Hartson is unconcerned by the fact that Keane has not managed a football club since leaving Ipswich Town in 2011.

"He has come from an assistant role - I wouldn't be concerned. You know me, if I didn't think Roy was the person that could galvanise the team and get them going, get them organise, then I would be the first one to say that.

"I think Roy would be good."

Contenders

Among the other contenders, Hartson thinks Eddie Howe, Scotland manager Steve Clarke and his former Wales manager Mark Hughes would be good fits too.

"I also think someone like Eddie Howe - he played brilliant football at Bournemouth, kept them in the Premier League. Played exciting football on the front foot with Callum Wilson and Joshua King, these types of players.

"He had good defences as well at Bournemouth. I think he would be good as he is looking for a job.

"Steve Clarke would be my number one to go to, if he was available, but obviously he is in charge of Scotland. He did a fantastic job at Kilmarnock, and has worked with the best."

Hughes is a contender.

"He brings in a staff with him - Eddie Niedzwiecki, Mark Bowen - he had three 9th placed finishes with Stoke in the Premier League and has managed at Blackburn. He took Wales to a play-off, beaten to Russia.

"I think Sparky's attention to detail - he doesn't leave a stone unturned in terms of his preparation on the training ground."

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