SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE:ROY KEANE has ruled out a return to Celtic as their new manager. The Ipswich Town boss ended his playing career at Parkhead four years ago following a short spell in Glasgow and is on the bookmakers' shortlist to replace Tony Mowbray, who departed last month.

However, the former Manchester United captain has distanced himself from the speculation and was quoted as saying: “Be very surprised if you see me walking through the gates at Celtic Park – except if it’s for the Old Firm game on Tuesday week because I might come up for that one.”

Keane believes Neil Lennon is doing a fine job as interim boss at Celtic Park, even though the Hoops were recently knocked out of the Scottish Cup semi-final by First Division side Ross County.

He said: “Celtic are a bigger club than anyone will ever understand unless they have been involved there.

“I was there for six months and I had my problems with a few injuries, plus the manager didn’t really pick me. The sheer size of the club is staggering.

“Neil has made that point and I couldn’t agree more. Hopefully they will get the right manager and I have to say Lenny is doing well.

“He’s won four league games but I know they lost in the Scottish Cup. They’re having disappointments but that’s when you find out who the real supporters are.”

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies has also been linked with the Celtic job but he insists he wants to stay at the City Ground next season.

He said: “The fact I’ve signed a contract tells you I want to be here. The fact I have two years left tells you I have work to do. I’ve had a wonderful 18 months or so at Forest but the job is not done.”