Robbie Keane moves closer to Celtic job after meeting Dermot Desmond

Former Celtic players Jonny Hayes and Scott Brown could be part of Keane's backroom team

Robbie Keane met Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond on Monday. Pic: Aleksandar Đorović/Sportsfile

Ireland legend Robbie Keane is now favourite to become the new Celtic manager after meeting with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond about the job on Monday.

Martin O’Neill returned to Parkhead last season in two separate caretaker spells, leading the Bhoys to a dramatic last-day title success which was added to last week with the Scottish FA Cup.

However, Desmond is believed to favour 45-year-old Keane for the post.

The successful return of O’Neill could see him continue at 74 in an advisory capacity but Keane is thought to be the preferred candidate at present.

He last week quit as the head coach of Hungarian side Ferencváros after 18 months and has ambitions of continuing his coaching journey on a higher stage.

It’s understood that Keane’s compatriot, Jonny Hayes, will step up from his position managing Celtic’s B team as one of the first-team assistants if a final deal is brokered.

There’s also the possibility of former Celtic captain Scott Brown making a comeback as a staff member.

Cork-born billionaire Desmond (75) also holds a 25% share in League of Ireland champions Shamrock Rovers.