BOTH David Moyes and Malky Mackay have refused to rule out taking on the Celtic job in the future should the opportunity arise.

The ex-Celtic players are both unemployed and are taking their time over returning to management.

Ronny Deila’s position at Parkhead remains a matter of intense scrutiny following a disappointing European campaign and an ongoing Ladbrokes Premiership title challenge from Aberdeen.

Former Preston, Everton, Manchester United and Real Sociedad boss Moyes, speaking to PLZ Soccer, said: “Everybody knows my time at Celtic was great. I was a young player and played with great players at Celtic.

“Celtic’s been a great love of mine. Who knows, who knows, I would never say never, but obviously I’ve got ambitions to win things.

“I’d want to be at a club that would give me every chance to win and be involved in the Champions League and be at the top level.

“I’m saying this with total respect but I don’t think the Celtic squad is good enough to reach the levels that they want. That’s a no-brainer if you ask me.”

Mackay said he had turned down opportunities with Scottish and English clubs since leaving Wigan in April last year.

Mackay said: “I’m an ex-Celtic player, I’m an eastender, I lived in Baillieston, so it’s 10 minutes from the club. I know the fabric of the football club and know the history.

“Of course it is [the dream job], it’s a fabulous club. But I’m loath to talk about specific clubs, particularly when man- agers are in place, because it happened to me. It’s not nice when you hear vultures touting for your job, that has a lack of class.”

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon was earlier installed as favourite to become the next Parkhead manager after leaving his post at Bolton.