LONDON • David Moyes has refused to rule himself out of taking on the Celtic job in the future, should the opportunity arise.

Moyes, a former Celtic player, is currently unemployed after he was sacked by Spanish club Real Sociedad in November and he is taking his time over returning to management.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila's position at Parkhead remains a matter of intense scrutiny following a disappointing European campaign and an ongoing premiership title challenge from Aberdeen.

"Everybody knows my time at Celtic was great," said Moyes.

"I was a young player and played with great players at Celtic. Celtic's been a great love of mine.

"Who knows, who knows, I would never say never but obviously I've got ambitions to win things.

"I'd want to be at a club that would give me every chance to win and be involved in the Champions League and be at the top level.

"I'm saying this with total respect but I don't think the Celtic squad is good enough to reach the levels that they want. That's a no-brainer if you ask me."

Fellow former Celtic player Malky Mackay is also eyeing the job. He told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound programme that he had turned down opportunities with Scottish and English clubs since leaving Wigan in April last year.

Mackay said: "I'm an ex-Celtic player, I'm an eastender, I lived in Baillieston, so it's 10 minutes from the club.

"I know the fabric of the football club and know the history.

"Of course it is the dream job, it's a fabulous club. But I'm loath to talk about specific clubs, particularly when managers are in place, because it happened to me.

"It's not nice when you hear vultures touting for your job; that has a lack of class."

Neil Lennon, who was Celtic's manager in 2010-14, was earlier installed as favourite to return to Parkhead after leaving his post at Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday.

THE GUARDIAN