Mark Bowen, who was Mark Hughes' number two at Manchester City,
claims the former Wales boss is interested in managing SPL giants
Celtic.
The Bhoys are on the lookout for a long-term successor to
Tony Mowbray after he was sacked last week following a disastrous
campaign that sees Rangers primed to secure the SPL title.
Neil Lennon has taken charge on a temporary basis and the
former Northern Ireland international, who is a firm fans'
favourite, began his reign with a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock on
Saturday.
Hughes is available after being dismissed by the Eastlands
hierarchy in December after 18 months in charge of one of the
world's wealthiest and most ambitious football clubs.
The 46-year-old Manchester United great has been biding his
time for the right opportunity, according to Bowen, who says Hughes
is flattered to be linked with the vacant Parkhead post.
"We're not in the business of just going in and getting a fat
cheque and thinking 'Well, if things go wrong we'll be out in a
year's time and we'll go somewhere else'," he told the Daily
Record.
"Mark has always said it has to be the right vehicle, the
right situation. He's always been a manager or coach who wants to
go in and build a place and make a difference long term.
"It's what we did with Wales and Blackburn and we were in the
process of doing at Manchester City.
"It seems to be the natural thing at the moment that Mark is
linked with any vacant manager's position.
"His talents are widely recognised and since City we've been
waiting for the right opportunity.
"In that sense, I suppose we were expecting this speculation
and it's a pleasant expectation to see that he's been linked with
the Celtic post.
"Mark's credentials are there for all to see."
