Di Canio voices interest in vacant Celtic position

FORMER C E LT I C forward Paolo Di Canio would consider a return to Parkhead as Neil Lennon’s replacement, the Italian’s agent has claimed.

Di Canio has been out of work since he was sacked by Sunderland last September but his UK representative Phil Spencer says the 45-year-old would relish the chance to become the Hoops’new manager.

He is quoted in a number of newspapers saying: “Paolo would be keen to speak to Celtic.

“He played for the club and he certainly has a good relationship with the fans.

“There has been no contact between Paolo and the club but, if there was, it’s something he would consider.”

Di Canio joined Celtic from AC Milan in 1996 and went on to win the Scottish Professional Footballers’ Association’s player of the year award in his first season.

He quit after just one season following a pay dispute with then owner Fergus McCann before moving to Sheffield Wednesday.

His spell in charge at the Stadium of Light was dogged by controversy and he was axed just six weeks into the season after failing to win any of Sunderland’s first five fixtures.

Lennon has quit the Scottish champions after leading them to three Scottish Premiership titles and three cups in four seasons in charge.

Former players Roy Keane, Mick McCarthy, Henrik Larsson, Malky Mackay and Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara have been linked with the post, along with former St Johnstone boss Owen Coyle.