Celtic manager Lennon ´keen´ on Keane

New Celtic boss Neil Lennon wants to bring Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

Republic of Ireland international Keane scored 14 times in 16 games during a sparkling loan spell with the Glasgow giants at the end of the last season.

Lennon was formally confirmed as Celtic manager on Wednesday after his successful spell in temporary charge following the sacking of Tony Mowbray in March.

“I would love to have Robbie Keane back here,” said Lennon, who had a hugely successful spell as a player at Celtic winning five league titles and three Scottish Cups, scoring three goals in 214 appearances for ‘The Bhoys’.

“But again it will be his decision. It will be also be a big decision for us financially. If we can pull it off it would be great.

“He made a great contribution both on and off the park. If it could be achievable, then why not?”

Former Celtic captain Lennon added: “We are also looking to strengthen in a lot of areas and we need a lot of improvement.

“If we can get that one extra-special signing, I’ll be delighted. If not, it’s no problem as I need to build a team. We need more men and players with experience and nous. And we need to add quality as well.”

Lennon’s priority will be to recapture the Scottish Premier League (SPL) title from Rangers after Celtic finished six points adrift of their arch Glasgow rivals last season.

The former Northern Ireland midfielder – who ended his 40 cap international career after receiving a death threat – was welcomed by around 500 jubilant fans on the doorsteps of Parkhead but knows the cheers will turn to jeers if he doesn’t deliver on the pitch.

But Lennon – who won all eight of his league matches in interim charge last season – believes Celtic can stop Rangers from making it three SPL titles on the trot.

“I am confident we can do it. Our priority is to challenge again. We showed a level of consistency in the run-in and hopefully the optimism will carry us into the new season.

“I know that I need to hit the ground running. It’s an exciting challenge and one I’m looking forward too.”

Meanwhile Lennon paid tribute to Peter Lawwell after admitting the chief executive was instrumental in persuading him to remain at the club.

Lennon looked to be heading out of Parkhead this time last year when Mowbray brought in his own backroom staff after being handed the manager’s job.

But Lawwell convinced him he had a role to play and now, 12 months on, he is managing the club he supported growing up in Northern Ireland.

“It’s a wonderful moment in my life,” said Lennon.

“I have a good working relationship with Peter. I have to make the point that I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. I had offers last year to work in England.

“He persuaded me that I still had something to offer. He saw potential in me and made me feel like I had an important part to play in the club. I owe him a lot,” the 38-year-old Lennon added.