Next Celtic manager odds as Cardiff City's Brian Barry-Murphy among favourites

Cardiff City boss Brian Barry-Murphy has emerged among the early favourites to become the next permanent Celtic manager following the Scottish giants’ decision to part company with Wilfried Nancy.

Bookmakers have installed the 47-year-old as a leading contender after his impressive start to life in the Welsh capital, with Cardiff sitting three points clear at the top of League One midway through the season. Barry-Murphy is listed at 9/1 in the latest betting, placing him alongside Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna in the early market.

Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill heads the odds at 4/7, with ex-Hibs boss Shaun Maloney (10/3) and Ange Postecoglou (11/2) also prominent. Other names in the running include Robbie Keane, Scott Brown, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Craig Bellamy and Roberto Martinez.

Barry-Murphy’s inclusion comes amid growing recognition of the work he has done at Cardiff since his appointment, transforming the Bluebirds into promotion front-runners following relegation last season.

It is not the first time Barry-Murphy has been linked with a move away from Cardiff. The former Manchester City academy coach has previously been mentioned in connection with roles at Middlesbrough and Celtic, while recent reports also suggested he was on the radar of French side Strasbourg.

However, when asked directly about those Strasbourg links after Cardiff’s latest win on Sunday, Barry-Murphy was quick to play down speculation and reaffirm his commitment to the Bluebirds.

“I love Cardiff,” he said. “I love being at Cardiff, I love it. I feel very lucky to be here.”

Celtic, meanwhile, are expected to move quickly in their search for a new permanent manager following Nancy’s dismissal, with the club keen to restore stability after a turbulent period.

The Glasgow club, who are second in the table, parted ways with Nancy after just eight games.

Next Celtic manager odds in full

Martin O’Neill – 4/7

Shaun Maloney – 10/3

Ange Postecoglou – 11/2

Robbie Keane – 17/2

Kieran McKenna – 9/1

Brian Barry-Murphy – 9/1

Scott Brown – 12/1

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 12/1

Lee Carsley – 12/1

Craig Bellamy – 12/1

Roberto Martinez – 14/1

Damien Duff – 14/1

Darren Fletcher – 14/1

Tony Mowbray – 14/1

Jens Berthel Askou – 14/1

(Odds courtesy of PaddyPower. 18+)