Roy Keane tipped for surprise managerial return after being spotted in stands

It has been 15 years since his last job in management but former Ipswich Town and Sunderland boss Roy Keane has been backed to take over at Celtic should Martin O'Neill leave the club.

Keane, who was sacked by Ipswich in January 2011 after losing seven of his final nine league matches, recently admitted that he would consider a return to the dugout.

Speaking to Micah Richards in a Sky Sports Premier League A-Z feature, he said there has always been "something there" when it comes to management, adding: "The pilot light is still on for something."

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Earlier this month, rumours intensified after Keane was spotted in the stands at Celtic Park for the Old Firm derby.

The former midfielder made it clear on the Stick to Football podcast that he would never attend a game with the motive of replacing a manager, but that hasn't stopped onlookers from talking about a possible switch.

Keane was in the stands at Celtic Park. Image credit: Getty

Niall Quinn, who gave Keane his first job in management at Sunderland in 2006, believes he would be a "box office" appointment for Celtic.

Speaking on the Graeme Souness Tackles podcast, Quinn said: “If Roy wanted to put his name in the hat, it would be huge. He hasn’t managed for a while, but you’d be a testament to say that when it’s in you, it’s in you forever.

“I think he’s more or less said that himself, and I certainly wouldn’t object to think that would be a hell of a thing to do. I had him myself at Sunderland, and he really got the city going – because he’s box office, the man. There’s no doubt about that."

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Quinn did, however, question whether Keane would be willing to take on the role.

The former Manchester United captain has, of course, established himself as one of the game’s most respected pundits through his work with ITV and Sky Sports.

“I just think he looks very happy doing what he does these days," said Quinn, who has previously described Keane as an "amazing" manager.

"I’ve never seen him smile so much. Going back in at the deep end, and having referees and things go wrong, and matches at the weekend and players… I don’t know if the fire will still be raging in him.”

O'Neill, who was made permanent Celtic manager for a second time in the summer, enjoyed huge success in his opening months in charge, but his future has been questioned of late following back-to-back defeats against Rangers.

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In the aftermath of Celtic's 1-0 defeat to Rangers this month, Paul Lambert gave his thoughts on the O'Neill situation.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he left. I don't think he needs it," Lambert told BBC Sport.

"I'd be shocked and disappointed if Celtic sacked him. I think they give him the option, if that's what's on his mind, if he did want to walk away.

"He's got enough credit in the bank. It wasn't that long ago people were shouting for a statue for him, so I don't think you can go from one extreme to the other. If he wants to go, then he goes himself."