David Martindale admits he’d relish pitting his wits against Eddie Howe’s ‘progressive’ Celtic next season – but has joked he’d prefer an old-fashioned square go in the tunnel with ‘box office’ Roy Keane.
The Livingston manager is preparing his side for a fourth tussle of the season against Celtic – and a third trip to Parkhead – this weekend.
But, with talks ongoing between the Hoops and Howe, Martindale knows it is likely to be all change by the time the Lions head west again next term.
Livi skipper Marvin Bartley has waxed lyrical to Martindale on Howe’s qualities after playing under the boss at Bournemouth and Burnley
And Mark Burchill, one-time gaffer at Almondvale, and a possible member of the new-look Celtic backroom team, is also full of praise for Howe.
But Martindale reckons Manchester United and Ireland legend Keane, who has also been linked with the Parkhead post, would bring some extra glamour – and grit – to Scotland.
He said: “I would rather have Roy Keane, what an argument that would be!
“That would be box office stuff. I would love to have a tussle in the tunnel with him!
“No, seriously, I don’t know a lot about Eddie Howe other than him being a good manager.
“Mark Burchill and Marvin Bartley speak very highly of him. But, for me, I would love to see Keane.
“Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane managing up here would be fantastic.
“That’s the wrong reason for him to be the Celtic manager but it’s just my opinion looking from the outside.
“Eddie Howe is such a good coach I am sure he would have other opportunities in England.
“But I would be delighted if he was the next manager as well as it brings another good name and tactician to Scottish football.
“In Scotland, we have managed to attract some brilliant big-name managers to our league.
“Before Steven Gerrard got appointed, you would never have expected the likes of him and Brendan Rodgers managing up here.”
Livingston lost 3-2 at Parkhead in September and came close to a first-ever victory in the east end of Glasgow when they fought out a goalless stalemate with a Covid-affected Hoops side in January.
The West Lothian side, who then drew 2-2 with a full-strength Celtic just a few days later, are desperate for points as they bid to overhaul Aberdeen in fourth spot in the table.
But Martindale said: “I was hoping nobody was appointed before the game because a manager sitting in the stand would probably get a little bit more out of them again.
“But they are playing for Celtic for a reason.
“They are all fantastic footballers and they also do the mental side of the game really well.”
