Football: Keane rejects Celtic approach

LONDON - Roy Keane has turned down an approach from Scottish champions Celtic preferring to remain as assitant manager with the Republic of Ireland, according to media reports on Monday.

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill, himself once in charge of the Glasgow giants, confirmed last week that former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder Keane had discussions with the club after a request from Hoops owner and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

But a source at the Scottish champions told the Press Association on Monday: "Roy was not offered the job - no-one has been offered it yet.

"But he has ruled himself out and asked not to be considered for the position." Neil Lennon, who left Celtic last month after four years in charge, would presumably tempt him to leave his position as O'Neill's number two.

Former Sunderland boss Keane, 42, spent the second half of the 2005/06 season at Celtic after his controversial exit from Old Trafford following a falling-out with United manager Alex Ferguson.

He played only 13 times for the Hoops, but managed to help them win the Scottish title before retiring at the end of the season due to a long-standing hip injury.

He has been looking for a managerial role since leaving Ipswich in 2011.

Meanwhile Friday saw Keane on the training pitch with the Republic squad ahead of their friendly international against Italy in London on Saturday.