The shortlist for the Celtic managerial position is a predictable one but an absent name, who would otherwise be obvious but for a Rangers connection, is Kevin Muscat.
The Alex McLeish signing won a treble in his only season at Ibrox but was far from a fans favourite, however, once a Ranger, always a Ranger.
This link rules out a manager who has followed in his mentor’s footsteps throughout his career, but with Celtic looking for a new boss, surely ex-Rangers defender Kevin Muscat can’t replace Ange Postecoglu again?
Muscat worked with Postecoglu for the Australia national team, replaced him at Melbourne Victory and replaced him at Yokohama F. Marinos, presumably on the Celtic manager’s recommendation.
Each time the Rangers man took his side to the next level and surpassed his predecessor’s achievements.
Why Celtic should appoint ex-Rangers defender Kevin Muscat
When Rangers were looking to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Kevin Muscat’s name was in the mix.
A high pressing, aggressive style of play seemed the perfect antidote to Gio’s horseshoe and patient approach.
It also seemed a logical step domestically.
What better a way to beat a formidable opponent than employ someone who knows their tactics inside out and can implement them even better?
On paper, the former Rangers right-back is the perfect replacement for Postecoglu, Kevin Muscat ticks so many boxes.
1. Style of play and proven winner.
2. Knowledge of Celtic’s recent recruitment plan.
3. Knowledge of current squad.
4. Experience of Scottish football.
5. Experience of Old Firm pressure.
The good thing is, despite the most obvious of appointments, Celtic will cut their nose off to spite their face and being a former Rangers player will see Kevin Muscat stay in Japan.
Their fans wouldn’t be able to see past pictures of Muscat holding trophies aloft in Rangers colours.
Instead, with Peter Lawwell pulling the strings once more, they will go for a Scott Brown, or John Kennedy, taking a step back from what got them in front of us in the first place.
Fingers crossed, that is.
