Jens Berthel Askou wants 'peace and quiet' as next Celtic manager links intensify for Motherwell boss

Askou is currently the frontrunner for the vacancy at Celtic Park after an impressive maiden season at Motherwell. The 43-year-old Dane currently has the Steelmen in fourth place in the Premiership, ten points off leaders Hearts having played a game less.

The former IFK Göteborg boss has earned plaudits for his man-management and style of play - with many viewing him as a good fit for defending champions Celtic, who will appoint a permanent manager before the start of next season with Martin O’Neill currently in charge.

Askou knows that talk on his future is part of the territory and that he cannot stop it - but he refused to be drawn on what may happen at the end of this season.

“I don’t know if it’s disrespectful, but I don’t think it is anything you can avoid,” said Askou. “It’s not something I need to comment on or anything because it’s something that we cannot stop. There is a little bit of noise and speculation about stuff, but the good thing is that I’m here, I’m really pleased with that.

“Celtic have a job to do as well. That’s why I don’t feel any need to comment on these things. Everyone needs their peace and quiet to finish the season strongly.”

Motherwell have only lost one league game since October but Askou said that the club are in a “different league” to Celtic, Rangers and Hearts above them as some start to label the Fir Park men as dark horses for the Premiership title.

Motherwell title question dismissed

Ahead of Saturday’s visit of Dundee United, the Askou described the question of “can Motherwell win the league” as “irrelevant”.

He said: “I know there’s been a lot of talk about us being in a title race now. In terms of being in a race, racing with other clubs, there need to be some conditions that are more or less the same. And we just compete in a totally different league, even though we’re in the same football league.

“There are some circumstances that the other teams above us have in their hands that we don’t have, and that’s why it’s irrelevant for us to discuss that question or to approach it internally or externally.

“What’s important is that we’re developing and we’re growing as a club, and that we are aware of where we need to grow as a club. There are so many things we need to improve and lift in order for us to actually answer that question with a yes.

“But if you ask me or us whether we think we can win the next game, then we are really positive that we can. If you ask us if we can beat any team in this league on the day, then we will say the same.”