Interim Celtic boss John Kennedy is in a great position to be appointed as the permanent Parkhead boss claims Gordon Strachan.
The likes of Eddie Howe are being linked with the job but Strachan believes that if the Hoops' key targets are unavailable Kennedy has a chance to make his case.
Former boss Neil Lennon was famously offered the Celtic Park hot seat on a permanent basis in the Hampden showers after lifting the Scottish Cup Final back in 2019 despite a host of other candidates being linked.
Brendan Rodgers has moved to Leicester mid-season but the Northern Irishman was able to steady the ship and secure the domestic treble.
Former Scotland and Celtic boss Strachan believes there are similarities between the two scenarios as Kennedy looks to continue the bid for silverware against Rangers tomorrow.
He told Football Pass UK: "John, there is no doubt about it, would like the job.
"Anybody who I’ve spoken to about the Celtic job has said it’s a job you must try if you are offered it.
"The longer the season goes on without any managerial clarity it might be stronger for John.
"You have to remember Neil Lennon was appointed in the shower after a cup final.
"So I think John will be hoping for his shower in the cup final and will be keeping one eye on the door.
The interim boss has worked in the background under the last three bosses, Ronny Deila, Rodgers and Lennon.
And Strachan believes that could be a key factor in a final call from Dermot Desmond and Dominic McKay.
He continued: “Nobody really knows about this job until you go into it.
"There are so many criteria that are needed for an Old Firm manager, but what it has to come down to is if you can deal with the fight.
"When you are dealing with Celtic and Rangers sometimes it’s a bare knuckle fight.
"Whatever you’ve learnt coaching at other clubs it doesn’t prepare you for what is going to hit you.
"You have to be mentally strong. It’s a bare knuckle fight. It’s every day for Celtic and Rangers."
