EDDIE HOWE was once in the running to become the next Celtic boss. Now, however, the Newcastle manager is admiring the transformation at Parkhead from afar.

It was widely reported Howe was in pole position to land the Celtic job in the summer before negotiations stalled and Ange Postecoglou was announced as Hoops boss.

The Englishman instead went on to take the role of manager at mega-rich Saudi-backed Newcastle. 

But he admitted he's kept an eye on the work being done at Celtic as he showered Postecoglou with praise over his overhaul of the squad and "excellent recruitment".

Asked for his verdict on Postecoglou's job at Celtic so far, Howe said:  “I think he’s done an incredible job.

“Full credit to him, his staff and players for what he’s done this season because it was a team in slight transition and I think he’s been excellent in recruitment.”

The Newcastle boss also revealed he watched Celtic's 2-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday as he cited the "electric atmosphere" at the derby clash.

He added: “I did actually watch the Old Firm game on Sunday.

"It was a very interesting game, the atmosphere is always electric and are very interesting games to watch from a coach’s point of view."