Keane and McKenna’s first public comments since being linked with Celtic

The Republic of Ireland icon is currently in charge of Hungarian side Ferencvaros, having managed Maccabi Tel Aviv a year ago.

The 45-year-old had a brief spell with Celtic, joining on loan for the latter part of the 2009/10 season. While on a short-term loan from Tottenham, he managed an impressive tally of 16 goals in 19 games for the Hoops.

Keane, alongside McKenna and Craig Bellamy, has emerged as one of the leading contenders to replace Brendan Rodgers following his shock departure on Monday night.

Ferencvaros recorded a 4-0 victory over Békéscsaba in their most recent game on Wednesday evening with Keane’s side now only four points off top of the table after 10 games played.

Although he avoided commenting on speculation of a possible return to Celtic Park, this marked Keane’s first media appearance since Brendan Rodgers’ ‘resignation’.

“It was a very professional performance, we scored very good goals, overall I’m satisfied,” Keane said, as reported by Daily Record: “I think Madarász came on impressively, it was also visible in Lisztes that he was very good in one-on-one situations, obviously he needs some more time because it’s been a long time since he played.”

“Radnóti was also like he had played 50 games throughout. I think we are doing very well in terms of cups, but I expect the same energy, the same performance against a tough opponent this weekend.”

Meanwhile, McKenna WAS asked directly about the vacant managerial position. The Ipswich Town boss did not rule himself out of the Celtic job.

He said: “It’s not something I’ve given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is this week, to be honest. My focus is just on Ipswich. We grow up with affinities to certain clubs, but there’s no time to think or look at it.

“I know I’ve got a really special job here at a special club, a massive football club that I’ve built a great affinity with, and we’re in a really important season and a really important stage of the season.”

McKenna added: “We’ve got a really big week coming up, three big games starting on Saturday at QPR. So, honestly, anything outside of that hasn’t touched my radar this week; my focus has been 100 per cent on the group here, helping the players get ready for the game.”

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, signed copies by Danny McGrain available from celticstarbooks.com 

Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain  Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book.  Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.