Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert thinks his old club will have more than managerial target in mind to succeed Neil Lennon.
Eddie Howe won't be the next boss at Parkhead after the club explained that a deal has fallen through "for reason's outwith both his and Celtic's control".
Celtic say discussions with the former Bournemouth manager were "positive and detailed" and they intend to make an appointment "shortly".
"We fully appreciate our fans will be seeking clarity on this matter and we aim, very shortly, to announce the appointment of a Manager with the quality and desire to take Celtic forward and bring further success to our supporters."
Celtic Football Club statement.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) May 28, 2021
Back-up options
"I think with any football club they will have a back-up plan," Lambert told Sky Sports News. "That is what Celtic are going to do.
"I think it’s too big a club to think they can rest everything on one guy coming in.
"I think they will have a number of guys to go and get in whether Eddie was the first option or not.
"If he’s decided not to come, you move on. The club is bigger than anybody. Whoever gets the job is going to be walking into a great club."