CELTIC’S £5.75million misfit Eyal Berkovic is poised for a sensational return to football – as manager of the Israeli international side.
The Hoops flop, who cost a-then club record fee when John Barnes bought him from West Ham in the summer of 1999, could be in the opposition dug-out when they play Scotland in the Euro 2021 semi-final at Hampden in October.
The Israelis are in the process of agreeing a compensation package with outgoing gaffer Andreas Herzog and sports director Willie Rothensteiner, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
And Berkovic is on a four-man managerial shortlist to be considered by the nation’s FA, ahead of the delayed last-four clash with Steve Clarke’s men with the winners due to travel to face either Norway or Serbia.
The midfielder failed to make an impact in his two years at Parkhead and was packed off to Manchester City on loan by Barnes’ successor Martin O’Neill.
Since retiring, Berkovic has gone on to manage Hapoel Tel Aviv, but quit after falling out with the club’s owner.
He was also part-owner of lower league side Hapoel Rishon LeZion.
Berkovic will face competition from former Chelsea boss and previous international chief Avram Grant, whose last job was in India, Hapoel Be’er Sheva head coach Yossi Aboxis and Hapoel Tel Aviv supremo Nir Klinger.
