Martinez ally predicts he will be the next Celtic manager

The 52-year-old is expected to leave Portugal after the World Cup and has been linked with Parkhead

Former Premier League player Gareth Barry thinks Roberto Martinez will be the next Celtic manager.

The respected former Aston Villa manager worked with the Spaniard at Everton after he left Manchester City and has no doubts about his former ability.

Martinez has long been linked with the top job at Parkhead due to his wife being from Glasgow and his current close relationship with Celtic No.2 Shaun Maloney.

The 52-year-old is expected to leave Portugal after the World Cup and has been in international charge since being handed the reigns with Belgium’s “golden generation” in 2016.

Barry is now confident that Martinez will excel in the Scottish Premier League if he succeeds Martin O’Neill this summer.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who provide the latest football odds, Barry said: “Getting Roberto Martinez would be a big statement for Celtic.

“The way Roberto Martinez’s managerial career has gone, I can see that happening. He’s had a few years out of the day-to-day stuff and international duties. Having worked at Everton, he completely lives and breathes football, he knows every player, he knows every tactical step.

“I think he will be successful there. He will improve the players that come into the club. It will fit their way of wanting to improve the young players, to guide them at times. I can see that happening and I can see why he is among those who like the job.”

Barry also knows Martin O’Neill well, and was a key player for the Irishman during their shared villa where they won three consecutive top-flight titles.

And the former England international believes O’Neill’s street smarts could leave Rangers and Hearts in the thick of the finals in the Scottish race.

He added: “You look at the end of the season business with players and sometimes the previous manager changes it in your favor. But yes, it’s just a different feeling this year with Hearts in the mix.

“It’s great to watch and I think it’s attracted a lot of attention from people who want to watch more of the Scottish league. Neutral people will want to see Hearts go over the line.

“Celtic, I’m not surprised by the bounce they had with Martin because I know the way he manages. He will come in and restore confidence in everyone and get a stable team instead of making a lot of changes, putting everyone in their right positions, and simplifying things.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish strong and call it the other two. The experience he has there, he’s been there and done it, will give him a little bit of an advantage over the other two managers.”

Barry admits he has long been a standout from the Scottish Premiership’s far-flung side and revealed there had been tentative talks about a potential move north of the border but it never materialised.

Barry said: Of course there was talk when I left Man City and had a loan spell at Everton. It was a conversation with my agent about Scotland and any real interest.

“I just think that time and everything meant that there was never a lot of interest, which is a shame, because it’s something I would probably like to take on.

“You get players who go on loan sometimes for half-time to watch it, and they seem to have a good time. The Old Firm Derby is something else, just watching it on TV, you can feel the atmosphere, and as a player, you would have liked to play in it. Unfortunately nothing came close, but it’s something I would have liked to have.”