Stiliyan Petrov has backed Roy Keane to replace Neil Lennon as Celtic boss.
The Bulgarian believes the time has come for his former teammate to step down as manager, with the Hoops 21 points behind Rangers in the league.
Petrov's comments come after John Hartson also called for Lennon to leave the role.
When asked on The Celtic Huddle by Mark Wilson if he agreed with Hartson's comments, Petrov said: “Yeah I think so. Now it comes to the point where Celtic have to make the change in approach and I think a new manager has to come in with his staff.
"A leader, somebody who can lead the team in a different direction and who can motivate and change the style of play. What we have seen, and it’s just in my opinion, is that Celtic are still trying to play the football we have seen under Brendan Rodgers.
"Nice, slick football with a lot of possession, but now we have seen ruthless Rangers. They will go and they will stop you playing.
"They will have better players and better characters who will stop you winning a game. We have to change the approach.
“It’s something they have to deal with. Do they make the change now or in a month's time? I think they make the change now and have a big push for the end of the season.”
On the possibility of Keane coming in, Petrov said: “What a name to come up for the job. I think Roy’s name has been mentioned a couple of years ago. To be honest it’s something that is needed.
"Does Roy go head to head with Steven Gerrard and compete with the same intensity and desire? Yes he does. Is he going to be somebody the Celtic fans would like to see in charge? Yes I think so. Would I look forward to it? Yes. Would that fire get back into the Celtic players again? I think it would.
"You can actually compare what Steven Gerrard did with Rangers. He started two and half years ago and look at the difference.
"He now has a team that is ready to compete and fight for the manager and the jersey.
"That’s what we need Celtic to do and unfortunately they need to do it sooner rather than later. Why not? I’d be quite excited to see Roy given a chance so it will be interesting to see if that can happen."
