'Fishbowl': 102-cap keeper claims Celtic and Rangers both wanted him

Keller had a stellar career between 1989 and 2011, winning 102 caps for the American national team and playing for the likes of Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Moenchengladbach and Seattle Sounders.

O’Neill worked with Keller during his time in charge of Leicester in the mid-1990s and and the keeper-turned-pundit, now 59, claims that O’Neill was keen on bringing him to Celtic Park in the early 2000s.

Keller also believes Rangers were interested in taking him to Ibrox when Dick Advocaat was at the helm. The Dutchman subsequently signed him for Borussia Moenchengladbach in 2005. However, the Washington native says he does not regret playing Glasgow.

“When asked if a move to Celtic or Rangers was one he wish he made, Keller said: “Not necessarily. Yes it could have been really cool, don't get me wrong. And particularly what the Old Firm was 20 years ago.

“Martin really wanted me to come with him to Celtic, and it didn't happen. I was linked with Rangers before and after that at different times. So much so that Dick Advocaat signed me for Gladbach.

“From talk, obviously Claudio Reyna is a good friend of mine, and his experience, and I work with Craig Burley all of the time. So yeah, Old Firm - it's a level of fishbowl that puts you in a level of the biggest of the biggest. In your own environment, that is one of the most intense environments that you can be in.”

Adding in an interview with Casinostugan, Keller commented: “Living outside of Glasgow, playing for Rangers or Celtic. It's also one where I've heard players say it was a tremendous experience, but it was also a relief when it's over.”