Kevin Nolan believes Damien Duff could one day make a return to Celtic as manager once Martin O’Neill’s time at Parkhead comes to an end.
5th September 2026; The Marbill Coaches Stadium, Paisley, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Celtic manager Martin ONeill speaks to Celtic TV
Duff previously spent time on Celtic’s coaching staff, initially working with the reserves before stepping up to the first-team setup and playing his part during the club’s treble-treble and nine-in-a-row era.
The former Republic of Ireland international later enjoyed a successful spell in charge of Shelbourne before returning to England, where he is now working alongside Keith Andrews as an assistant at Brentford.
Nolan, who played alongside Duff at Newcastle United, believes his former teammate has the credentials to eventually take charge of Celtic.
He said via “I can see why Damien Duff’s name has been mentioned in relation to the Celtic job. Duffer is a good lad, very astute, and he’s doing really well. He had Joey O’Brien with him in Ireland when he was managing there and Joey then took over.
“I think he’s someone who could definitely step into that role. He’s with Keith Andrews at Brentford now, so he’s gaining experience as a Premier League assistant, which will be invaluable. I can certainly see that happening in the future.
“I can see that having legs if Martin O’Neill were to step away. It’s one I’d like to see, because I really like Duffer and enjoyed playing with him. Hopefully, he’d take Joey O’Brien with him as well, as they seem to work very well together.”
Nolan also revealed that he would have welcomed the opportunity to play for Celtic during his own career, having grown up with an affection for the club inspired by Kenny Dalglish.
He added: “I would have liked to play for Celtic, if the opportunity arose. I had a Celtic kit when I was younger because of Kenny Dalglish, so I was never really involved in the rivalry or aware of what it was all about. For me, it was just Rangers and Celtic. I played at Ibrox as well, which is a fantastic stadium. When you play for either of those teams, the passion you get is incredible.
“I was lucky enough to attend an Old Firm match while I was playing for Newcastle, and it was an incredible atmosphere. If I had been given the opportunity, it is certainly something I would have seriously considered in my career.”
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