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Celtic have two 'preferred candidates' to take the manager's job if Martin O'Neill doesn't take the job full-time. O'Neill was named as interim boss at Parkhead following Brendan Rodgers' decision to resign from his position. Since then, the Northern Irish boss has masterminded a huge revival with the Bhoys beating Falkirk 4-0 in the Scottish Premiership before beating Rangers 3-1 in the Premier Sports Cup at the weekend. The conversation has now switched to who will take the job on a permanent basis, with O'Neill firmly in contention to take the job on a long-term basis. According to reliable journalist Mark Guidi, there are two names in contention to replace Rodgers on a permanent basis. Guidi told The Go Radio Football Show: “I do think that the two preferred candidates outwith what Martin does is [Kjetil] Knutsen of Bodo/Glimt and Kieran McKenna of which they are the two clear front-runners for the job. “I think Kieran McKenna wants the Celtic job and Knutsen has said recently that he’s now ready to go and try something different and their season finishes next month. “So if it’s not going to be Martin O’Neill, the new manager of Celtic will be Knutsen or McKenna. But Martin O’Neill is in the driving seat and it’s brilliant. It’s been a great appointment. “He’s got them going and I have to say I’m absolutely delighted for Martin O’Neill. He’s 73 years of age. To take that on, you know, it required a lot.” McKenna is currently in charge of Ipswich and will be hoping to guide the club back to the Premier League following their relegation last term. However, they currently have real work to do with the Tractor Boys sitting in 10th position in the table. Knutsen is in charge of Bodo/Glimt and continues to impress with the Champions League minnows. Whoever gets the job will face a big challenge to continue the period of dominance enjoyed by Rodgers during his second reign as Celtic boss.
