Celtic’s search for a new manager will take a back seat this weekend. Of course, with the Old Firm derby taking place on Sunday, all eyes will be on Glasgow.

For John Kennedy, this will be a phenomenal opportunity to showcase why he deserves the chance to manage the Hoops on a permanent basis.

What’s the word?

One of the managers linked with Celtic in recent weeks has been American Jesse Marsch. He is currently the head coach of RB Salzburg in Austria but openly admitted over the last few days that it was an honour to be lined up for the Bhoys vacancy.

That being said, there has now been a major twist in Celtic’s pursuit of Marsch. According to German reporter Christian Falk, the 47-year-old has told the Hoops hierarchy that he won’t be available in the summer.

Taking to Twitter, Falk said: “According to my information Jesse Marsch has told the board of Celtic FC that the interest is an honour, but he will not be available in the summer for the job in Glasgow.”

Desmond tearing his hair out

Marsch had to be up there near the top of Celtic’s shopping list. The American has done an incredible job in Austria and currently has a win percentage of 65%.

Of course, you may expect a team the size of Salzburg to dominate Austrian football, but he’s achieved eye-catching results on the European stage as well.

During the group stages of the Champions League last season, his team managed to score three goals at Anfield against Liverpool. The Reds ultimately prevailed 4-3 but it was a clear demonstration of his striking approach to football.

Salzburg combined relentless pressing with a desire to attack and take the game to their opponents. It’s not often visitors to Anfield manage that, but Marsch wasn’t intimidated.

Given how Celtic’s season has gone, they could undoubtedly do with a mentality like that. He has led a revolution in Salzburg and has made them a team to be reckoned with in Europe.

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Certainly, with the 26-goal Patson Daka in tow, anything is possible. Marsch has a habit of developing forwards, bringing Erling Haaland and now Daka into the limelight. Odsonne Edouard would have been licking his lips if the American came to Parkhead.

Thus, it’s incredibly bad news that his future looks to be in Austria rather than Glasgow. This is a bitter blow to Dermot Desmond’s aspirations and he will have to look elsewhere for Lennon's long-term successor.

AND in other news, Celtic must ruthlessly axe £15k-p/w "enigma" this summer, Lenny hated him...