Scotland manager Steve Clarke has been reacting to links that he could become the next Celtic manager in the summer.
Clarke reacts
The 57-year-old has been heavily linked with the Parkhead managerial role after Neil Lennon resigned from his position – following the club’s unsuccessful attempt of securing an unprecedented 10-in-a-row.
John Kennedy has taken the interim position until the end of the season when the new chief executive Dominic McKay is expected to choose a successor in the summer.
Sky Sports’ Jim White named Clarke as one of three key figures that could be in the frame for the job, including Rafael Benitez and Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez.
The Scottish tactician, who was once described as an “incredible coach” by Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, was quizzed as part of a Q&A on BBC Sport by youngsters at Edinburgh-based club Team United, who support young people with autism.
When asked whether he would consider moving to Celtic after Euro 2020, he said: “I will be going on a long holiday after the Euros.
“And I am contracted with Scotland until 2022 when I’ll hopefully be taking us to the World Cup in Qatar.”
Transfer Tavern Verdict
We do not expect McKay to make any decisions until he is officially in his place – once Peter Lawwell leaves the club. But Clarke does appear to be happy ruling himself out of the running.
The pressure next season at Celtic will be immense and having just guided Scotland to their first major tournament since 1998, leading the national team may come as an easier job, at least for his stress levels.
Nevertheless, Celtic have to keep their options open and consider everyone available to take the role. For us, Benitez would be the best option, but whether the Spaniard would be tempted by the prospect of Scottish football remains to be seen.
In other news, Celtic make contact with ‘fantastic’ manager as Hoops source emerges.