Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that Celtic might live to regret waiting around to appoint Eddie Howe, hinting that perhaps discussions are still going on behind the scenes.

Having reached a verbal agreement at Parkhead, the former Bournemouth manager was expected to replace Neil Lennon earlier this month, but talks have since stalled, with the Glasgow giants still yet to make an announcement.

Howe has since been linked with the role at Crystal Palace, with Roy Hodgson's future in doubt, whilst the Newcastle job has been mentioned as another potential destination, although Howe isn't set to return to management until the summer.

And McAvennie believes that Celtic, whose wretched season campaign continue following their Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Rangers on Sunday, cannot afford to play a waiting game with Howe.

"You get told one thing and then something else happens. It's a bit up in the air," the former Hoops striker told Football FanCast.

"I said to someone that Celtic is too big of a club to wait for Eddie Howe. If he's waiting until the summer it could be that he's waiting to see if the Newcastle or Crystal Palace jobs come up.

"I hope they haven't put all their eggs in one basket because I know Eddie was the guy they want. I would love him to come personally, it would be a great challenge and he would give the fans something.

"He's a fit for me, but you can't wait around. You never know, maybe they've had discussions behind the scenes. I just think Eddie's playing a strange game at the moment."

It remains to be seen if the latest Old Firm loss will accelerate Celtic's bid to appoint a new boss sooner rather than later.