Pundit Jim Duffy believes that the waiting game for Eddie Howe 's appointment at Celtic could open the door for other options.
The Parkhead club put out an update on Friday as they acknowledged fan concerns about the managerial situation.
It's been almost 11 weeks since Neil Lennon 's resignation after defeat to Ross County with the former Bournemouth gaffer the clear frontrunner.
Dumbarton boss Duffy, who came through the Celtic youth ranks, believes that the delay opens the door for other alternative options to be considered.
He told Clyde 1 Superscoreboard that Hibs boss Jack Ross could be a viable alternative having steered the Easter Road side to third in the table this term.
Duffy said when asked about a caller about Ross as a replacement for Howe: “Until you’ve got something signed, sealed and delivered that speculation is going to continue.
“Other names are going to be mentioned like Jack. I think Jack is a progressive young manager and has a lot of potential.
"I’m sure he would have learned from his experience at Sunderland which is a huge club. I think he will be on the radar of clubs, not that Hibs isn’t a top club, but even bigger clubs provided Hibernian continue to progress.
“I think Jack Ross is a good name to throw in the mix, but everything seems to be pointing to Eddie Howe and for whatever reason, until that one has a complete decision made yes or no, I think that will always be the name at the top of the list.”
