Keane edges ever closer to Celtic role

The tell-tale puff of green and white smoke is widely expected any moment now at Parkhead to signal Roy Keane’s installation as the new manager of Celtic.

However, there is still the possibility of a dramatic late twist in the saga, through the intervention of a big Premier League club who are interested in offering Keane an assistant management role which would allow him to continue to work as Martin O’Neill’s second in command with the international team.

Celtic remain favourites to land the Corkman, however, and barring any last-minute hitches in the negotiations, the appointment could be ratified by tomorrow, leaving O’Neill and the Ireland squad to put the matter firmly behind them before they fly out to the United States on Wednesday.