Ian Dowie Endorses Robbie Keane for Celtic Manager Role
Robbie Keane’s name is back in the Celtic conversation, and this time it comes with a strong endorsement from Ian Dowie.
The former Ferencvaros manager was once on the brink of landing the Celtic job on a permanent basis, only for the club to turn instead to Martin O’Neill on a short-term deal. That decision came amid protests from sections of the support, who opposed Keane’s appointment because of his previous role at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The reaction left a mark. Not on Keane’s CV, but on the narrative around him.
Dowie, though, wants that story reframed.
Speaking to BettingLounge, the ex-Crystal Palace boss argued that Keane is being judged on politics and perception rather than what he brings to a dugout.
“In terms of Robbie Keane, I think the fan opposition to Keane stems from where he has managed previously, which I understand,” Dowie said. “I think he should really just be judged on his footballing ability.”
That is the crux of it. Strip away the noise, and Dowie sees a coach with the pedigree and mentality to handle one of the most demanding jobs in British football.
He’s not limiting the conversation to Keane, either. Another Irishman, Damien Duff, also sits firmly in his thoughts as a serious contender for the Glasgow role.
“Keane certainly has more experience internationally, but Damien Duff has done a fantastic job wherever he's been,” Dowie said. “Both would be strong candidates, but it's hard to say for sure.”
Celtic, as ever, is the looming giant in the background of any such debate. The scale of the club changes the criteria.
“Celtic is a massive club, they, along with Rangers, are huge entities,” Dowie added. “You need a specific mindset to manage a club of that stature, and both Duff and Keane certainly possess that mentality.”
The message is clear: this is not a job for the faint-hearted, and Dowie is convinced both men have the steel for it.
Right now, he senses Keane may hold a slight edge.
“I think Keane might be the favourite right now, but I don't think he's a political person,” he said. “He's been dragged into the narrative a bit.”
Dragged, not driving it. That distinction matters. In Dowie’s eyes, Keane is a coach caught up in a wider debate, rather than a figurehead for it.
So the question for Celtic, whenever the managerial carousel spins again, is a simple one: do they listen to the noise, or to the football men who insist Robbie Keane is ready for Parkhead?
