Robbie Keane could still become Celtic manager in the future after he spoke with the club over the role this month.
The former striker was in the mix for the position following the end of the season when Martin O'Neill secured the league and cup Double against substantial odds.
The Northern Irishman's success convinced the hierarchy to present him with first refusal on the job and the 74-year-old decided to stick with the role as the club gets set to officially unveil him as the permanent gaffer.
Keane, meanwhile, had held discussions with Dermot Desmond over the managerial spot and, according to the Irish Independent, showed up well in those talks.
But the ex-loanee at Parkhead is believed to have always known he would be behind O'Neill in the pecking order if the veteran wanted to stay on into the next campaign.
It had been claimed previously that Keane and O'Neill were in a straight shootout for the job but now this new report suggests otherwise.
The Irish outlet does say, however, that the 45-year-old still has a "strong chance" of becoming Celtic boss down the line as the Scottish champions look towards the longer term whenever O'Neill's time in Glasgow comes to an end.
Keane left Ferencvaros earlier this year and remains on the lookout for his next managerial reign.
