Hughes will boost set-up, says O’Neill

JOHN O’Neill believes bringing in former Scotland international Richard Hughes as his technical director will boost Eddie Howe’s chances of being successful at Parkhead if he is appointed Celtic manager.

O’Neill played alongside Hughes during his four seasons at Dean Court and can understand why Howe would want the former midfielder to join him in Glasgow if he moves to Scotland.

The 41-year-old, who won five caps for his country in 2004 and 2005 during his time as a player with Portsmouth, worked in recruitment at Bournemouth when they were in the Premier League.

Former Celtic and Queen of the South forward O’Neill believes his compatriot would have a huge amount to offer after a disappointing 2020/21 campaign.

“If Eddie joins Celtic he is going in to a great club that is used to success,” he said. “But they have had a dip this season and there is work to be done. Peter Lawwell is leaving, Scott Brown is leaving, Nick Hammond has gone.

“I have seen it suggested that Hughesy will come in to Celtic as Eddie’s technical director and if that is the case then it will definitely help Eddie. Eddie needs people he can trust alongside him. Richard was also at Bournemouth in the last couple of seasons I was there. He had been at Arsenal. He had actually spent many of his younger years in Italy and had spent time at Atalanta.

“He had a Scottish accent, but it was a very proper Scottish accent. He was a very polite guy. He was a very good player, a really good player.”

O’Neill added: “I got to know him quite well at that time. I know he has worked closely with Eddie and it will help having him there if he comes in to Celtic. He is a very intelligent guy who speaks about three or four languages and has good connections in the game.

“I know Hughesy was in the background at Bournemouth working as a technical director when Eddie was there. He would be a good addition to his team if he joins Celtic.”