Roy Keane’s Odds of Becoming Next Celtic Manager Revealed After Shock Martin O’Neill Update

Football Insider reports that Roy Keane has emerged as a potential candidate for the Celtic manager position, with his odds listed at 33/1 following a dramatic update on Martin O’Neill.[1][2]

Celtic recently sacked manager Wilfried Nancy after just eight games, sparking a fresh managerial search.[2] Odds from Betfair, correct as of 15:00 on Monday, January 5, 2026, place former Celtic winger and coach Shaun Maloney as the clear frontrunner at 13/8. Maloney, who played 209 times for Celtic and assisted O’Neill earlier this season, has managerial experience with Wigan Athletic and Hibernian.[2]

Martin O’Neill, recently reappointed but now facing uncertainty, sits second at 10/3. Speculation suggests Celtic might seek a new boss by summer despite the short-lived O’Neill return, as hinted in recent discussions.[4] Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is third at 4/1, followed by Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna at 11/2 and Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen at 15/2.[2]

Other notable candidates include Brian Barry-Murphy at 17/2, with a cluster at 11/1: Robbie Keane, Scott Brown, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and Jens Berthel Askou. Further down, Lee Carsley, Darren Fletcher, and Craig Bellamy are at 12/1, while Tony Mowbray, Roberto Martinez, Damien Duff, Neil Lennon, and Frank Lampard share 14/1 odds.[2]

Longer shots feature John O’Shea and Wayne Rooney at 16/1 and 22/1 respectively, Enzo Maresca at 25/1, and Roy Keane at 33/1—reflecting his outspoken punditry and past links to Celtic through O’Neill.[1][2][3] Alternative markets for the 2026/2027 season opener show Keane at 25/1, underscoring ongoing interest.[3]

The shake-up highlights Celtic’s instability, with fans and bookmakers eyeing familiar faces amid the Scottish Premiership title race.[2]

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