Unconvinced Charlie Nicholas believes Roy Keane is no longer the man for Celtic and that his former club "need someone fresh" to carry the fight to Rangers.
The 59-year-old has been a long-term advocate of the Manchester United legend and has publicly campaigned for him over the years to land the Parkhead top job.
Keane is the hot name in the long and winding search to find Neil Lennon's successor after he intimated over the weekend he would be keen on the job he turned down in 2014.
But Nicholas admits watching Steven Gerrard and his Rangers success has forced him into a rethink and now believes the Irishman no longer fits the criteria for Celtic.
The former Soccer Saturday star also doubled down on his calls for principal shareholder Dermot Desmond to turn his attention to Spain for the next man in the dugout.
Speaking in his Express column, he said: "Roy Keane’s name has been mentioned over the weekend as being interested in the Celtic manager’s job – again.
"Chris Wilder has also surged right up the bookies’ favourites’ list after being axed at struggling English Premier League side Sheffield United.
"But I don’t think either fit the bill to be the next Celtic manager.
"Celtic must rebuild. If that means finding a new technical director, so be it. But it has to be with a young and exciting manager.
"That is why I keep mentioning names such as former Spanish international stars Xavi and Xabi Alonso.
"The Hoops need someone fresh to build the team up domestically and add to their European reputation.
"Keane was interested in the job back in 2014 but they missed out on him then. They didn’t show him enough respect, with claims suggesting Ronny Deila had to be his No. 2.
"Has anything changed since then? Roy’s been out of the game for a couple of years and football has moved on.
"If Roy was to come in, he wouldn’t be a builder. It would be a game by game scenario, dependent on results.
"I supported Roy for years to be Celtic’s next manager. I wanted him right after Brendan Rodgers because I felt he could have achieved the 10-in-a-row.
"I was a fan of Roy as a player and a pundit. If he was given the job, I’d support him –but he’s not going to build the club up again.
"He’ll just try and compete with Steven Gerrard at Rangers.
"Keane would bring a high profile and he is a fighter but he’d only be looking short-term. Celtic need to look at the bigger picture."
