Things have started to look up a bit for Celtic in recent weeks. The win over at Ibrox to qualify for the Scottish Cup semi-finals was a clear highlight in what has been a season to forget. That was followed up by a weekend of results that will further lift the mood around Parkhead.

Celtic managed to win 3-1 against Motherwell, despite Jens Berthel Askou's side putting up a valiant effort at Parkhead. A red card and conceding a penalty proved to be their undoing on the day. For large parts of the game, they looked like the better team and the result was very much in the balance for around 70 minutes.

It might very well have been an audition for Askou for the Celtic manager post as well, as it is set to become vacant in the summer when Martin O'Neill is expected to step at the end of his interim run.

Now, most fans would like to have O'Neill around for as long as possible. The results, both domestically and in Europe, have shown that he remains a very capable manager. But at the end of the day, he is 74 years old.

The club need to get ready for the long-term future. If the Northern Irishman can guide them to league triumph though, it will go down as one of his greatest achievements with Celtic, considering the circumstances he has had to face.

Coming back to Askou, there have been suggestions that he might have his eyes at a job beyond Celtic Park. But if journalist Michael Gannon is accurate, then that is not the case at all.

While speaking on the Daily Record's Record Celtic Podcast, Gannon said: "From what I can gather, Celtic are looking at him among other options. And also, from what I’m told, he is extremely keen on that Celtic job. He would leap off.

“I know some people are saying, oh, he’s looking further afield. But I think, from what I’m hearing from people around about his orbit, he would jog along the M74 to Parkhead. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that at all."

To be honest, it makes all the sense in the world that Askou would be interested in the Celtic job. Of course, he has done a phenomenal job at Motherwell. He has them playing a good style of football while also having the best defence in the league. That is very impressive, especially when you consider the budget constraints the Danish manager has had to work under.

That being said, top English clubs rarely come calling for managers based on what they do in the Scottish Premiership. At best, Askou could hope for a job in the English Championship.

A move to Celtic would be much more rewarding for him if he could succeed. Now, it remains to be seen if the Hoops do indeed come calling for his services or go after something else. The likes of Robbie Keane, Craig Bellamy and Roberto Martinez are some of the other managers being suggested as O'Neill's replacement.

Roundtablesports is absolutely Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. Scroll up to the top of the page and click 'Join'.

Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favourite teams and news!