Keane will not take Celtic manager role

Roy Keane has “asked not to be considered” for the vacant managerial position at Scottish champions Celtic.

The Republic of Ireland assistant manager has ruled himself out of the running to replace Neil Lennon, preferring to continue his work alongside Martin O’Neill.

The FAI confirmed this afternoon that Keane will travel with the Ireland squad to the US after he decided not to pursue the informal talks that took place with Celtic any further.

Dermot Desmond, the Hoops majority shareholder, held talks with the former Manchester United skipper last week but it is understood the discussions did not get as far as a formal job offer.

A source close to the club said: “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.”

The Republic of Ireland squad will gather again in Dublin on 3 June before travelling to New York on 4 June.