BOOKIES have been forced to slash the odds on Jose Mourinho becoming the next permanent Celtic manager, from 66/1 to 14/1.

It comes after a series of bets on Sunday afternoon were enough to cause the bookmaker’s traders to take The Special One's chances seriously. 

Perhaps slightly more credibly, Martin O’Neill has also been popular this weekend – backed in from 80/1 to 7/1 to return to Paradise.

Neil Lennon, in charge till the end of the season, remains favourite for the permanent gig, but is now odds against (11/10) for the first time since taking over, after an uninspiring few weeks.

Read more: Celtic Lisbon Lion Stevie Chalmers passes away 

A spokesman for Paddy Power said: “Jose Mourinho and Celtic may not seem like a natural partnership, but the Bhoys do have recent experience in coaches with humungous egos.

“And, actually, both parties have pretty strong links with Champions League success in Portugal.

“It could be viewed as an odd move for Mouinho but, having linked himself with the jobs at PSG and Bayern, Celtic would fit with apparent approach of targeting one-club leagues.”

Read more: Celtic legend Stevie Chalmers remembered with look back 

Celtic manager for the first game of the 2019/20 season

11/10    Neil Lennon
11/4       Roberto Martinez
7/2         David Wagner
7/1         Martin O’Neill
10/1       Rafa Benitez
14/1       Jose Mourinho
14/1       David Moyes
14/1       Steve Clarke