Alex McLeish believes Roy Keane 's chances of taking over at Celtic could be derailed by the players.
The former Scotland and Rangers boss reckons that the Parkhead stars will be backing interim boss John Kennedy for the role, and it could be a vital factor in Dermot Desmond 's decision making.
Manchester United icon Keane has reportedly held discussions with the club over replacing Neil Lennon as boss.
Keane has emerged as the bookies favourite ahead of the likes of Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Manchester City youth coach Enzo Maresca.
However, McLeish reckons the big names at the Premiership side will be keen to see Kennedy given a long-term Celtic opportunity having worked under Brendan Rodgers and Lennon.
McLeish told Football Insider: “If they see enough and get enough feedback from the players in there.
“They might say: ‘Kennedy’s the right man for us Dermot.’
"To the other people on the board: ‘We really love working with John and believe he can take us forward.’
"You have to get the players’ ears as well. They’ve worked under Lennon, Brendan Rodgers.
“The fact they worked under Brendan, they’ll be looking for those kinds of standards. The players will judge John Kennedy against those legendary names.”
