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

Perfect record: Neil Lennon won all eight of his SPL matches in chargeRobbie Keane added his voice to the host of players urging Celtic to opt for interim boss Neil Lennon as a permanent appointment. 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. 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.Keane is unlikely to be back in Glasgow unless the Parkhead club strike another expensive agreement with Tottenham. 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. '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.' Keane also insisted he has no regrets about taking up theshort-term switch to Celtic, despite the club ending with a trophylesscampaign. '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. '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.' 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. 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. 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. '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. 'I dragged him out of a series of meetings with chief executive Paul Faulkner trying to get plans for the summer underway. 'We feel very good about that because it represents continuity for the players and in many other ways.'  Samaras swoop: Italian side Palermo chasing £2m Hoops striker GeorgeTony Mowbray and Paul Hart in line to replace axed Coleman at Coventry  

Source: Daily_Mail