Robbie Keane is playing like Leo Messi. Like the schoolboy footballer who exploded from Wolves to Coventry to Inter in about a week back in the Nineties.
Both his goals yesterday were the type you almost never see him score anymore, involving direct running at goal - first one here dinking it over the keeper after drifting past markers and the second one a straight forward hammered shot past the keeper here. It didn't shin into the arms of the keeper, didn't career towards the corner flag. He's got his game back.
His clear superiority to the plebian defenders of Scotland is just one reason he should stay in Scotland. That the league isn't amazing and won't be getting better soon isn't his fault or even really of any concern. The other reason he should stay is that he's loved there and like most humans Robbie needs a bit of love.
A four or five season end of career in Scotland will keep Robbie sharp enough to play international football, earn him enough to keep the wolf from the door and his missus in big diamonds and turn him into an all time Celtic legend. A move to Villa or Everton or anywhere else in England will be more of the same - score-bursts, substitute appearances and unfulfilled promise.
As for Neil Lennon, well Celtic might be about to get lucky. Lennon is thoughtful, tough, articulate and brave. He might be a rubbish manager but fishing in the pool they're operating in Celtic can't afford anyone with a proven track record.
Celtic might also be able to negotiate a knock-down fee for Keane if he refuses to sign for anyone else. Which would make Lennon lucky too.
It is settling for second best. Sometimes that's ok.
