Celtic warned to keep clear

Albion today gave Celtic a 'hands off' warning as the Old Firm giants turned their attentions back to manager Tony Mowbray.

The Baggies said they would 'not welcome' any approach from Parkhead for permission to speak to Mowbray, who is back as favourite to succeed Gordon Strachan after a frantic night of developments.

Top choice Owen Coyle reportedly turned down the Bhoys hot-seat today after emerging last night as the man the SPL giants wanted to take charge.

And that will throw the spotlight squarely back on to Mowbray, who is widely reported to be the next man on the Parkhead hit-list.

Today's Albion statement read: "We have already made our position very clear on this situation and it has not changed.

"We have not received an approach from Celtic for Tony Mowbray - nor would we welcome one.

"Tony is under contract for the next two years and we fully expect him to remain as our manager."

Mowbray's name was thrown back into the frame today as Celtic's hopes of luring Coyle from Premier League new-boys Burnley appeared to recede.

Last night's Scottish media was awash with reports that Coyle was set to talk to Celtic and could be unveiled as Strachan's successor by the weekend.

But Coyle reportedly met with officials at Turf Moor last night to discuss his position and Clarets bosses emerged confident that the former St Johnstone manager would stay to test himself in the English top flight after winning promotion through the play-offs.

Coyle later issued a statement on the Burnley website and sources in Scotland were increasingly convinced today that the boyhood Celtic fan would turn down the chance to manage the club.

Coyle's overnight statement said: "There has been no approach to Burnley Football Club. It is people simply putting two and two together and making five. I am going on holiday with my family this weekend and I can assure you I will be doing so as Burnley manager."