The Ferencvaros boss has been touted as the frontrunner to replace O’Neill in the summer
21:18, 14 Apr 2026Updated 21:22, 14 Apr 2026
Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane
Boss Robbie Keane has insisted his focus remains on the title fight with Ferencvaros – despite throwing open the door to Celtic last week.
The Irishman has been touted as the frontrunner to become the next Celtic boss in the summer. The former Hoops’ striker was previously touted for the Parkhead hot seat before Wilfried Nancy’s ill-fated tenure.
His eight-game tenure saw Martin O’Neill called on for a second time this season to steady the ship, but the 74-year-old is expected to end his time in the dugout his summer.
Keane has caught the eye with Ferencvaros with his team top of the domestic league as he looks to claim his second consecutive title in Hungary. The Irishman also made an impact on the Europa League, steering the club to a surprise run to the last 16 of the competition this term.
Last week, Keane conceded he was open to leaving Ferencvaros – but only if the switch could take him to a “higher level.” And amid scrutiny over his future in Hungary, he has insisted his is only eyeing the title run-in with his current side.
Keane’s side moved back to the top of the NB I table with a narrow 2-1 win over Puskás Akadémia – sitting level on points with rivals FC Gyor, who they face this Sunday. The former Tottenham and Inter refused to look beyond the final four fixtures.
He said: “The boys showed real character to turn the tables with two quick goals. I think at this level of the league there are ups and downs, but the most important thing is to win today.
“Everything in football depends on mentality. I expect a very tough match against Gyor, away from home, as our opponent has had a good season so far.
“We also have a good season, but it is also very difficult when you look at the international role and the fact that I have to operate with 18 foreign players. I have to try to make everyone happy.
Ferencvaros’ Irish coach Robbie Keane (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“It’s almost over [the season], fortunately, I hope we can move on from there.”
Last week, Keane’s former Parkhead boss Martin O’Neill insisted the Scottish chanmpions should be considering the Irishman.
The Hoops boss said: “Robbie has done really fine at Ferencvaros, so why shouldn’t he be? The football club should be looking at someone of that sort of calibre.
“I worked with Robbie for a couple of years when I was the Republic of Ireland manager.
“We could have done with him when he was 26 or 27, rather than the latter part of his career.
“Did he strike me as a manager? That’s always hard to say.
“Personally, I might have been the most unlikely player at Forest to become a manager.
“I don’t know enough about Robbie as a person to say how we would have managed a group of people in a dressing room, but he’s made a fair fist of it so far.”