Celtic chiefs line up Lee Carsley approach amid “huge praise” from Roy Keane

Celtic are eyeing a potential move for England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley as their next coach, as they look to find the perfect replacement for Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

Rodgers’ second stint in charge of the Hoops has ended quickly, after a disappointing start to the season in the Scottish Premiership, with Martin O’Neill appointed to the caretaker role.

While the Irishman appears to have only been in charge for a short period, taking charge until a suitable permanent appointment is made, a new report has claimed that he would be willing to take over until the end of the season.

A win at home to Rangers on Sunday afternoon would not only be a huge step in the right direction for Celtic, it could also convince those in charge at the club that O’Neill is the right man to stick around for longer than originally expected.

That’s not to say other potential candidates haven’t been mentioned, however, with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna backed as Rodgers’ successor, and Club Brugge boss Nicky Hain also considered an option.

Lee Carsley has been linked with a Celtic job

now, 67 Hail Hail He claims Celtic are eyeing Carsley to be their next manager, with his “long-term admirers” from the Hoops meaning he could be “in contention” to take over.

However, the former Republic of Ireland international is “not the front-runner for the job”, so at this stage, others feel more likely to take over at Parkhead.

Carsley would be an interesting option for Celtic if they go that route, as Roy Keane praised him during his short stint as interim England coach before Thomas Tuchel’s arrival.

Perhaps the biggest risk in Celtic’s appointment of Carsley is the fact that he has yet to coach at club level, with his only roles coming with England, including his current Under-21 role.

For this reason, including him would be a gamble at a stage that requires a safe hand to steady the ship after a disappointing end to the Rodgers era.

Carsley may be desperate to prove his worth in the club game, however, if he impresses Celtic chiefs more than the rest, they should be trusted.

The search for a Celtic manager changes when O’Neill makes a decision on the interim role