Steve Clarke admits interest in Celtic job

Out-of-work manager Steve Clarke has expressed interested in taking over the Celtic post when Ronny Deila departs at season's end.

Deila has paid the price for a poor European outing and a stuttering defence of its Scottish Premiership crown, and Clarke has put himself on a list of Parkhead candidates which features David Moyes, Neil Lennon, Roy Keane, Malky Mackay, and Alan Stubbs.

Related: Moyes to 'wait until summer time' to decide on future

"There are a lot of good managers out of work and Celtic is a great club," Clarke said to Sky Sports' Patrick Surlis.

"If they want to give me a call, it would be nice," said Clarke, a six-time Scotland international who represented St. Mirren and Chelsea during his playing days.

Clarke was a highly rated young coach when working under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and then at West Ham United, where he was reportedly the highest-paid assistant manager in the Premier League. His two forays into management have ended poorly, however, as the Ayrshire native got the axe first at West Bromwich Albion in 2013, and then at Reading two years later.

"Celtic is a massive club and anybody that comes from the west coast of Scotland understands the size," the 52-year-old said.

"Next year will be fantastic with Rangers back in the top flight."

Former Chelsea teammate Roberto Di Matteo hasn't made efforts to distance himself from the Celtic helm. The Italian stepped down as FC Schalke 04 boss in May 2015.

"I don't know," said the 45-year-old. "If ever it comes up, I will think about it."

Deila has four matches of his Celtic tenure left, with a visit to Hearts coming up Saturday.