Former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill believes Roy Keane is ready for a "top job" as the Manchester United legend fights to exit the managerial wildnerness.
The pundit wants to be considered for the Parkhead vacancy - a job he turned down in 2014 before it eventually went to Ronny Deila.
But Keane believes his time is now as he looks to end 10 years without being a manager in his own right amid Celtic 's search for Neil Lennon's long-term successor.
O'Neill knows the acerbic Cork native better than most having employed the 49-year-old as his assistant with the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.
But the Parkhead legend - who enjoys a close relationship with Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond - strongly hinted his former club may be looking in a different direction.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Well, what you see is what you get from Roy.
"My own personal view is owners and chief executives are missing a trick by not thinking about him becoming a manager.
"He has learned a great, great deal and I think is very, very capable of taking a top job."
O'Neill was quizzed further by host Eilidh Barbour on what type of manager his former club need to carry the fight to Steven Gerrard and Rangers next seasom.
The 69-year-old believes whoever the next boss, they must bring a level of stature capable of instantly unseating the Premiership champions.
He added: "I'm not party to that, I don't really know, there is time to develop.
"I think the feeling (Callum) McGregor mentioned the point, they have to think about winning again.
"And who would give you that chance to go and win again?
"Rangers are on the up at this moment, they are entitled to, they haven't been there for a long, long time.
"Who can give Celtic that momentum to go and win again, that's what they will be thinking about."
