Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou's best friend Steve Blair has insisted that the growing list of admirers casting glances in the 57-year-old's direction will not shift his focus from the Hoops and that he is going nowhere.

English Premier League sides Brighton and Everton, as well as the Japanese national team, have all declared an interest in the Bhoys boss.

However, his former South Melbourne teammate feels the Parkhead manager still has a lot to achieve in Glasgow.

Blair recently caught up with the ex-Socceroos coach as he brought his team Down Under for the Sydney Super Cup. 

"All this Brighton, Everton and Japan speculation is all irrelevant to Ange," he said.

"He will not be thinking about any of that. I spoke to him about the Japanese interest and he is not going anywhere.

"He is at a club that he is passionate about and that he loves.

"Once he makes the club better, then it changes.

"Once he has got to the level where he has achieved what he wants to achieve with Celtic, then there will be options available, and he may think that he has climbed the mountain.

"Celtic are a big club, a great club and a passionate club."

The 60-year-old was also keen to stress that the current contract situation should not concern Hoops supporters.

"I know he still hasn't signed a long-term deal and is operating on a one-year rolling contract but trust me, that is not the way he works," he continued.

"Stuff like that does not bother him. Ange sees the club as the vehicle to take him to where he wants to go in his career.

"There are a few bigger clubs that tick every box. I have said to him that if he does have an exit strategy, then please don't leave the club in the manner that Brendan Rodgers did.

"I have told him to do it with some sort of dignity if that situation arises so that he is able to go back to Celtic and remain part of the family, and they appreciate you forever.

"That's an important thing for him. If it ever comes to it, Ange will know when it is the right time to leave.

"Until that day comes, he will remain laser-focused on what he wants to achieve with Celtic.

Celtic Way:

Blair believes that whatever happens, Postecoglou has a bright future.

He said: "I am constantly asked by people where can Ange go?

"I don't think he is in a hurry to up sticks. I am sure his options will always remain open, but I don't think Ange will leave to go to a middle-placed Premier League club in England.

"I don't think the national job holds appeal for him anymore because it is not a day-to-day gig and he has been there, seen it and done it with the Socceroos.

"He coached Australia at the World Cup, so it doesn't get any better than that. 

"If Ange does leave Celtic it will be for a club in the top four or five of a one of the top leagues.

"I am sure those clubs are watching and keeping tabs on what Ange is achieving at Celtic.

"They will be looking to see if he can qualify the club for the Champions League group stages again and if Ange can deliver in that arena."

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