'What I've seen': Celtic job links addressed by Robbie Keane as Rangers Europa League verdict landed
Rangers travel to Ferencvaros in the Europa League this week looking for their first win of the campaign.
Robbie Keane has downplayed reports that linked him to the recently vacant managerial role at Celtic, insisting his key focus was always centred on bringing success to his current side, Ferencvaros.
The 45-year-old boss was only appointed as manager of the Hungarian side last January, but was named one of the leading favourites to be named as Brendan Rodgers’ successor following his resignation in October, before the appointment of Wilfried Nancy last Wednesday.
The former Celtic striker, who scored 12 league goals during a six-month loan spell at Parkhead back in 2010, has led his side to sixth place in the Europa League table, having won three and drawn two of his first five matches in the competition, and is hoping to maintain the club’s unbeaten record when he welcomes Rangers on Thursday night.
“We know it is going to be a difficult game,” said Keane. “Even though Rangers probably haven't done as well in Europe as they would like. But we are still talking about a really good team. Obviously, they have had a new manager come in. He has different ideas. So, we are expecting a really tough game.
Currently in 33rd position in the table, the Ibrox outfit will exit the competition with two games still to play if they fail to win at the Groupama Arena and will be without key defensive duo John Souttar and Derek Cornelius for the game, while Mohamed Diomande will serve a suspension. However, the Ferencvaros boss insists his side can not take Rangers lightly, believing they have made progress since the appointment of Rohl in October.
“The team, from what I've seen in the games I've watched, likes to make a lot of runs forward,” said Keane, “They like to get control of the ball. There are a lot of rotations. I've studied them a lot. So, yes, he seems to be doing a good job.” They haven't been beaten in seven, I think, in the league.
“It looks like he [Rohl] steadied the ship, if you like. I don't know where they are in the league. Fourth? I don’t know how far back they were when he arrived, but obviously it looks like he’s doing a decent job.”
Currently two points clear at the top of the Hungarian top flight, the Republic of Ireland legend heaped praise on the environment around his current club, insisting that he is 100% happy in his current role, though he refused to rule out a return to Celtic in the future.
“I can't help speculation,” said Keane. “My mind is here, I'm very happy. It's been a successful year, we won the league last year, we're doing well in Europe now, top of the league so I'm really enjoying it here. There are good people here. Sir Alex Ferguson always said to me go to a club with good people and this club is very well run. I couldn't be happier here.
“You can never say never in football, though. I'm one of those guys who can never think too far ahead. I have to concentrate on what I do here because if you take your eye off the ball, you start losing games and you lose your job."
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