Robbie Keane’s time at Hungarian side Ferencvaros is at an end, according to reports in Hungary. The former Ireland striker is believed to have brought the curtain down on his 18-month spell in charge of the Budapest side after failing by just a point to guide them to the league title. Keane won the championship last year and this time around he guided Ferencvaros to the Hungarian Cup. However, they were pipped by Gyor to the league last weekend. News of Keane’s exit has sparked
interest across Europe, with Celtic immediately linked with the man that scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Bhoys during a loan spell in 2010. Keane’s ex-Ireland manager Martin O’Neill is likely to step aside after guiding the club to a thrilling final-day Scottish title win, having taken over a club in turmoil in January. O’Neill has one more big game to prepare for – Saturday’s Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline – before talks about potential changes in the dugout begin in earnest. Crystal
Palace have also been linked with the Dubliner, while his managerial globetrotting could yet take him to Slovakia, where champions Slovan Bratislava have already publicly declared their interest in Ireland’s record goalscorer. Their general director Ivan Kmotrik Jr has named Keane among a number of potential candidates. Speaking before the Ferencvaros news, Kmotrik said: “The names Igor Biščan and Yaya Touré are based on the truth, which is why I confirmed them. “We also have other candidates here that I can mention. There is a
very interesting name, Sergej Rebrov, who was successful as a coach wherever he worked. “Next up is Valérien Ismaël, successful in Austria, who has also played for clubs in England, again a very interesting name. “Robbie Keane could also be an alternative, we will see how the situation develops in Ferencváros, if there is an opportunity, we would like to have a meeting with him as well.” Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from
Ireland and beyond .
Robbie Keane, Ferencvaros, Celtic, Martin O'Neill, Slovan Bratislava, Ivan Kmotrik Jr, Hungarian Cup, Gyor, Scottish Cup final, Dunfermline, Crystal Palace, Sergej Rebrov, Valérien Ismaël, Igor Biščan, Yaya Touré