John Hartson admits Celtic appointing Steve Clarke would’ve made him happy

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Celtic are still looking for a new permanent manager.

Pundit John Hartson has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he’d have been happy to see Celtic appoint Steve Clarke – but believes the ship has well and truly sailed now.

Clarke guided his Kilmarnock side in the Europa League qualifiers on Sunday afternoon, beating Rangers 2-1 with a late Eamonn Brophy penalty to sneak into third place ahead of Aberdeen.

Clarke’s work at Kilmarnock has been staggering over the last 18 months, and just 24 hours after that win over Rangers, Clarke was on the move.

Scotland have appointed Clarke as their new manager, replacing Alex McLeish following a disappointing start to the Euro 2020 qualifiers, leaving Kilmarnock to look for a replacement.

The move has been praised by many, who feel that Clarke is the ideal manager to take Scotland forward and get the best out of his resources, just as he did at Killie.

Clarke’s move also rules him out of the Celtic running once and for all, though talk of a move to the Bhoys as Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor has died down in recent months.

Now, pundit and former Celtic striker Hartson has joined in with the praise of Scotland’s move, but noted that he would have been happy if Clarke had become Celtic manager.

Hartson believes that there is no chance now, possibly not just because of his move to Scotland. If he impresses, he may not return to Scottish domestic action. If he fails, he may not be a big enough name for Celtic, meaning Hartson thinks the ship has sailed on a possible Parkhead move for Clarke.

“The Scottish FA have got the right man,” said Clarke. “Had Celtic moved for Clarke, I am sure most Celtic fans, me included, would have been happy with that. Clarke has been heavily linked with Celtic before but that ship has now probably sailed,” he added.