Atlanta Soccer News: Art, Music and Culture: Keano Says No Celtic

20100423.
Keane rules out Celtic move
Former Bhoy backs Lennon for job
Last updated: 23rd April 2010

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Keane: Out of the running

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..Ipswich boss Roy Keane has ruled himself out of the running for the manager's job at Celtic.

Keane has been mentioned as a possible contender to replace Tony Mowbray following his departure last month.

The former Republic of Ireland international ended his playing career at Celtic after a short spell in Glasgow and he still has a lot of affection for his old club, but he insists he will not be returning as manager as he is committed to Ipswich.

"I'd be very surprised if you saw me walking through Celtic Park," said Keane.

"I might get there in a few weeks to watch the Old Firm, but that's about it.

Focused
"My new house is nearly ready and I'm focused on my job here. It's dangerous to even comment on other jobs, but I'm very happy here, my family are, we're moving into a new house.

"I've got staff who have moved to the area, they have committed with their families. I came here to do a job and I'm determined to do it and, please God, I get that opportunity.

"There have been ups and downs, and there have obviously been more downs than ups, so we've got to reverse that next year.

"We've got big plans for next year, I want us to be competing and I want us to be competing in the top six, but we need strengthening and I'll know much more over the next few days where we stand on that."

Meanwhile, Keane has backed former team-mate Neil Lennon for the Celtic post on a full-time basis.

Lennon is currently in caretaker charge and he has guided the side to four successive wins in the SPL despite crashing out of the Scottish Cup to Ross County.


Backing
Keane has been impressed by Lennon's impact and feels he is in with a good chance of landing the job.

"Celtic are a bigger club than anyone will ever understand unless they've been involved there," added Keane. "I was there for six months and I had my problems with a few injuries, plus the manager didn't really pick me. The sheer size of the club is staggering.

"Neil has made that point and I couldn't agree more. Hopefully they will get the right manager and I have to say Lenny is doing well.

"He's won four league games but I know they lost in the Scottish Cup. They're having disappointments but that's when you find out who the real supporters are."