Celtic legend Larsson in frame to take reins at Rovers after impressing in Sweden



Henrik Larsson is the shock new name being considered by Blackburn Rovers to replace Steve Kean.

The Celtic legend has emerged as a candidate after working wonders on a shoestring in his first managerial job in his native Sweden.

Larsson, 41, took his first job in management with Second Division side Landskrona to learn the ropes after finishing his playing career.

Hand it to him: Larsson is building a great reputation in management

The former Sweden international, who won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006, wants a job in England after telling Landskrona he will not be renewing his contract when their domestic season ends next month.

Blackburn owners Venky’s have British-born Indian coach Judan Ali on their short-list but would prefer a high-profile name to get fans back onside after Kean resigned last week.



They have had an official approach for Spurs’ technical co-ordinator Tim Sherwood turned down and are considering other options.

Larsson remains a huge name in the game and has commanded respect in Sweden after opting to take his first job at a lower level and keeping the club clear of relegation.

He is good friends with former Barcelona managers Pep Guardiola and Frank Rijkaard, and has been working with a similar system to Barca’s at Landskrona.

Larsson, who led Celtic to a famous victory over Blackburn on their way to the UEFA Cup Final in 2003, already has his full UEFA Pro Licence and his coaching methods are admired in Sweden.

Holding the fort: Eric Black is currently in charge at Rovers

His stay there will come to an end this season and he is now under consideration for a role with a big Championship club.

Rovers are fourth in the table, but the next manager will be under enormous pressure to get them promoted at the first attempt, following last season’s relegation from the Premier League.

They are working to a 10-day time frame to replace Kean and Larsson is now one of the serious options being considered.

His name will appeal to Rovers simply because his standing in the game is so high around the world that it will appease their furious supporters.

If Larsson does return to the British game, there will inevitably be speculation linking him with a return to Celtic in the future.

Eric Black, a former assistant manager at Parkhead during Larsson’s earlier years there, is in charge of Blackburn on a caretaker basis and led them to a 1-1 draw at Charlton on Saturday, but the Venkys want a big name to replace Kean.

Larsson’s release clause is £65,000 but that will not be a problem to Blackburn’s owners if they decide to go ahead with an official approach.