Trapattoni dismisses Celtic link

Soccer:Giovannni Trapattoni has "laughed off" suggestions that he may become the next Celtic manager, according to the FAI, after the Italian was this morning reported to be on the shortlist to succeed Tony Mowbray at Parkhead.

The prospect of the 71-year-old succeeding Mowbray, who was sacked by the club yesterday, was described as "absolutely magnificent" by former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie but the Italian has privately dismissed the idea.

Speaking today, an FAI spokesman said the Italian was informed of the reports but was quick to rule out a move to Glasgow.

The chances of Trapattoni leaving the Irish set-up always appeared slim, given the fact he had already turned down Juventus and opportunities to manage either Nigeria or the Ivory Coast at the World Cup in favour of embarking on another qualifying campaign with Ireland.

The club announced Mowbray's departure less than 24 hours after their heaviest league defeat outside an Old Firm derby for 30 years, a 4-0 thrashing at St Mirren.

The 46-year-old's 13th loss in charge, which left the Hoops 10 points adrift of Rangers in the Scottish Premier League, having played two more games, proved the final straw.

Reacting to the departure and that of his assistants, Mark Venus and Peter Grant, former West Brom boss Mowbray said: "Naturally, I am very disappointed to be leaving Glasgow Celtic.

"I am very proud to have not only managed but also played for a club with such great tradition and that has tremendous roots in football history.

"I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of the players and also to my staff who supported me so well. Finally, I would like to wish the club every success in the future."

Former Northern Ireland international Neil Lennon is the favourite to take over the role after being appointed caretaker manager by the club. The 38-year-old, who will be assisted by another former club captain Johann Mjallby, has admitted he has his work cut out to convince the decision makers he is ready for the role.

Lennon's first game in charge is at home to Kilmarnock tomorrow and he knows time is not on his side.

"It will be very difficult to do that (prove his credentials for the job) in such a short space of time, like all managers you look for your first result straight away," said Lennon today.

"I have got to win as many games as I can and get as close to Rangers as we possibly can in the league and try to win the cup.

"You just take the job and see where it takes you, even if things go well it may not be offered to me."

Mowbray was heavily criticised by fans for a perceived preference of style over substance. Lennon is keen to get at the opposition a bit more.

"I would like us to be more direct and press teams more and get the crowd going. Speed up the tempo of the game," he added. "Up until the St Mirren game things were going okay, but the players understand the performance was unacceptable. I have made it clear what is expected of them between now and the end of the season.

"They have trained well this morning and we are looking forward to tomorrow's game and putting things right."

Other names in the frame for the full-time job include former Celtic midfielder Paul Lambert, Mark Hughes and Roy Keane, who has endured a less than fruitful spell at Ipswich Town thus far.

The Corkman's side is 16th in the Championship and he may well be available in the near future if he jumps ship or, indeed, is pushed by Tractor Boys owner Marcus Evans.

Lambert, who is currently at Norwich City, says he intends to stay there and has backed Lennon to succeed.

"I hope 'Lenny' goes in and does great, I really do," said Lambert . "He's a big friend and a terrific football person and hopefully he'll go in and do well and have some sort of success from now until the end of the season."

Lambert (40) won every domestic honour available at Celtic in a spell lasting almost eight years before starting out in management with Livingston in 2005. He has since gone on to boss Wycombe, Colchester and Norwich this season.

“I don’t have any decision to make,” added Lambert. “I love it here, it’s a great football place and I’ve got a great rapport with the people here.

“I can’t tell you what’s going to happen in the future, I can’t tell you what’s going to happen tomorrow, (but) I love it in Norwich.

“I get sick and tired of people saying (I’m) linked with that one and that one.

“I love it here, I really do.”

Meanwhile, Mjallby has vowed to help Lennon restore a "winning mentality" at the club.

He said: "The first thing we must do is get back the winning mentality we had when I was a Celtic player. The players need to know they have to wear that Celtic jersey with pride. They need to show the fans they are up to the job."

"It's been a bad spell for the club recently and maybe they need their confidence back."