Hoops still Keane on Robbie swoop

Published Jul. 7, 2010 5:41 a.m. ET

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New Celtic assistant boss Johan Mjallby has revealed the Hoops are still chasing Tottenham striker Robbie Keane - but only if he can be loaned.

The Spurs hotshot spent the second half of last year's SPL campaign on loan to the Bhoys, netting 12 league goals from 16 appearances before heading back south.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has previously spoken of his desire to bring Keane back to Glasgow but Mjallby, who was officially unveiled as assistant boss on Tuesday, believes it would have to be on loan.

However, in their favour, Mjallby believes the lure of European football can help their cause as they pursue quality players.

Mjallby told the Daily Record: "Has Neil been speaking to Robbie? Definitely.

"I don't know Tottenham's thinking when it comes to Robbie. He is out of our reach when it comes to buying him. But a loan would be perfect for us."

He added: "To buy someone at Robbie's level would be impossible. We don't have that kind of money.

"The only way we could get that kind of player would be to ride our luck and maybe find someone on loan and make sure it's a quality player who is going to give us goals.

"But we have the lure of European football at Celtic. From my own memories it's very important as a player. It's a great opportunity to play against the best and develop."