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ROY KEANE is the new Celtic boss favourite after a massive betting plunge yesterday.

Major bookies were forced to slash the odds on the Irishman succeeding Neil Lennon after hundreds of bets were placed. The former Parkhead midfielder started the day as a 16-1 outsider but ended up odds-on with several firms.

Punters piled in on Keane days after a similar gamble on Henrik Larsson who has now gone out to 12-1.

Keane, 42, is No.2 to former Parkhead gaffer Martin O’Neill at the Republic of Ireland but O’Neill has said he wouldn’t stand in his way if Celtic come calling.

The interest in Keane, who had a short spell with the club he supports in 2005-06, took bookies by surprise. McBookie’s Paul Petrie said: “This gamble would suggest Keane is definitely on some sort of shortlist.

“He has been nibbled at in the market but today’s gamble was across all major bookies and looks to have some substance.

“These sort of bets suggest he has a serious chance.”

Keane is 8-11 with McBookie ahead of 2-1 Owen Coyle and 5-1 pair Malky Mackay and David Moyes.