Both David Moyes and Malky Mackay have refused to rule out taking on the Celtic job in the future should the opportunity arise.

The former Celtic players are both unemployed and are taking their time over returning to management.

Ronny Deila’s position at Parkhead remains a matter of intense scrutiny following a disappointing European campaign and an ongoing Premiership title challenge from Aberdeen.

Former Preston, Everton, Manchester United and Real Sociedad boss Moyes, speaking to PLZ Soccer, said: “Everybody knows my time at Celtic was great. I was a young player and played with great players at Celtic. Celtic’s been a great love of mine.

“Who knows, who knows, I would never say never but obviously I’ve got ambitions to win things.

“I’d want to be at a club that would give me every chance to win and be involved in the Champions League and be at the top level.

“I’m saying this with total respect but I don’t think the Celtic squad is good enough to reach the levels that they want. That’s a no-brainer if you ask me.”

Mackay told BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound programme that he had turned down opportunities with Scottish and English clubs since leaving Wigan last April.

Mackay said: “I’m an ex-Celtic player, I’m an eastender, I lived in Baillieston, so it’s 10 minutes from the club. I know the fabric of the football club and know the history.

“Of course it is (the dream job), it’s a fabulous club. But I’m loathed to talk about specific clubs, particularly when managers are in place, because it happened to me.

“It’s not nice when you hear vultures touting for your job, that has a lack of class.”