Neil Lennon should be given the Celtic job, claims Robbie Keane

14 May 2010 00:30
Perfect record: Neil Lennon won all eight of his SPL matches in charge[LNB]Robbie Keane added his voice to the host of players urging Celtic to opt for interim boss Neil Lennon as a permanent appointment.[LNB] Keane netted his 16th goal in 19 appearances for the Parkhead club as he concluded his £65,000-per-week loan spell in typical style during last weekend's 2-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle.[LNB] That raised Celtic's SPL record to eight wins out of eight underLennon, with only the Scottish Cup defeat to Ross County providing apainful blemish on his record.[LNB]Keane is unlikely to be back in Glasgow unless the Parkhead club strike another expensive agreement with Tottenham.[LNB] The Republic of Ireland striker has, however, delivered a firm sealof approval to Lennon's capabilities as the Celtic board extend theirhunt for a boss.[LNB] 'I really hope that Lenny gets the job,' said Keane. 'He has allthe attributes to be a great manager. He is very vocal and knows hisfootball, and one thing he has is a passion for this club. I personallyhope he gets it.'[LNB] Keane also insisted he has no regrets about taking up theshort-term switch to Celtic, despite the club ending with a trophylesscampaign.[LNB] 'It's been a strange season for the club,' Keane told Huddle Online. 'But this is something I have always wanted to do and I'll never regret it.[LNB] 'I have no regrets in football and I've loved my time here. I've scored a lot of goals and I'll look back with a lot of fond memories.'[LNB] Meanwhile, the faint prospect of Martin O'Neill returning to Celtic this summer faded away last night when Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner confirmed the manager would remain at the Premiership club.[LNB] Rumours of a Dermot Desmond-funded comeback by the Northern Irishman, reported to be unhappy in the Midlands, had lingered among Parkhead fans following the sacking of Tony Mowbray and Lennon's interim appointment. [LNB]O'Neill, however, stated his desire to stay at Villa last week and American businessman Lerner has revealed he held positive talks to settle their plans for next season.[LNB] 'Martin will be back next year managing,' said Lerner. 'It has already been settled. He and I spoke on a number of occasions in person and over the phone.[LNB] 'I dragged him out of a series of meetings with chief executive Paul Faulkner trying to get plans for the summer underway.[LNB] 'We feel very good about that because it represents continuity for the players and in many other ways.' [LNB] Samaras swoop: Italian side Palermo chasing £2m Hoops striker GeorgeTony Mowbray and Paul Hart in line to replace axed Coleman at Coventry[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail