Coyle courted for Celtic vacancy

Owen Coyle has been approached by Scottish giants Celtic over their managerial vacancy it was reported by the BBC on Wednesday just days after guiding Burnley into the English Premier League.

The 42-year-old Scottish-born former Republic of Ireland international striker has become one of the hottest properties in management with his stewardship of Burnley – it has seen them return to the top flight for the first time in 33 years after they beat Sheffield United 1-0 in the play-off final.

He appears to have leapfrogged former Celtic star and now West Brom handler Tony Mowbray as the Scottish side’s first choice to replace Gordon Strachan, who stood down on Monday after Rangers dethroned them as champions on the final day of the season.

According to the BBC Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has spoken to Coyle and want to sign him up by the end of the week.

However, Burnley’s operations director Brendan Flood said there had been no official contact between the clubs and was confident that Coyle – who has two years to run on his contract – would still be in charge come the beginning of the Premier League campaign in August.

“I am 100percent sure that Owen Coyle will lead Burnley in to their first season in the top flight in 33 years,” said Flood.

Burnley are keen to offer Coyle, who cut his managerial teeth at unfashionable Scottish side St Johnstone taking them to the semi-finals of the two domestic cups and to second place in the First Divison, an extension to his present contract.

“As far as I am concerned, Owen is contracted to us. He has another two years to run and we are going to talk about an extension to that,” said club chairman Barry Kilby on Tuesday.

Aside from gaining them a place among the elite, Burnley also reached the League Cup semi-finals this season beating Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal along the way before losing to then holders Spurs in extra-time.