Scotland manager Steve Clarke has refuted speculation that he is in discussions to become Celtic’s new head coach.

The 57-year-old has been heavily linked with the post at Parkhead in recent weeks following the departure of Neil Lennon but, when asked to address the rumours, Clarke said that he had not been approached:

“I’m definitely not in talks because I’m under contract with the Scottish FA and looking forward to the Euros in the summer. Speculation tells me that my players have done well for me. It tells me my staff have done well. Nobody speculates if you’ve done a bad job.”

Clarke is currently only seventh favourite at the bookmakers, suggesting that the Hoops are likely to look elsewhere for their next head coach, despite the Scotland manager receiving backing from the likes of former striker John Hartson recently.

Ex-Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder currently leads the betting, with Roy Keane second and interim manager John Kennedy third in the running.

With new chief executive Dominic McKay only taking over from Peter Lawwell at the end of the season, it seems almost certain that no definitive decision will be made on the managerial situation in the short term. Fans may have to remain patient.