Pressley backs Martinez for Celtic hot-seat

Published on Thursday 4 June 2009 09:35

STEVEN PRESSLEY insists Roberto Martinez is not too young to manage Celtic.

In fact, Pressley is all for fresh-faced bosses getting big jobs as he talked up his own chances of being fast-tracked into a Clydesdale Bank Premier League hotseat.

The Falkirk defender yesterday announced he was calling time on his 19-year playing career to go into full-time coaching.

Like Swansea manager Martinez, Pressley is 35, and he sees no reason why the Spaniard should not be in contention to succeed Gordon Strachan at Parkhead.

He said: "I think that if you're the right man, you have confidence in your ability and you treat players in the correct manner then you're ready for the job, regardless of age."

Pressley revealed he would relish a return to Celtic as part of their new management team.

The former Scotland internationalist, who won the double with Celtic in 2007 during an 18-month spell there, said: "It's a very attractive proposition and if the opportunity came around to assist somebody at Celtic then, of course, I'd be very interested. I feel confident in my own ability to do that type of job and if the right man comes along that needs assistance then hopefully I'll be that man."

The last young manager employed by Celtic – John Barnes – proved a complete disaster but that has not put them off pursuing Martinez.

What could deter them, however, is the 2 million-plus compensation being demanded by Swansea. That is the figure they have quoted to Wigan, who want Martinez to succeed Steve Bruce.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins revealed on Monday that Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell had sought permission to speak to Martinez, which was refused until the Swans supremo had discussed the matter with his manager.

Martinez, who signed a five-year contract only last year before guiding Swansea to eighth place in the Coca-Cola Championship, was due to return from holiday yesterday.

Meanwhile, West Brom were yesterday forced once again to deny Celtic had made an approach for manager Tony Mowbray following reports he was in talks with his former club.

A spokesman said: "We have not received any official approach from Celtic regarding Tony Mowbray."