Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has answered a question on Celtic’s possible announcement of Eddie Howe as their new manager.

The Lowdown: Bournemouth’s exit a boost for the Hoops?

Reports last month suggested that the Hoops’ chances of landing Howe could be dashed should Bournemouth win promotion to the Premier League through the Championship playoffs.

However, the Cherries threw away a two-goal lead in the tie on Saturday, losing to Brentford 3-2 on aggregate. That seems to have put a move to Parkhead for Howe back on track, with the 43-year-old seeking to bring multiple members of staff from the English south coast to Scotland.

The Latest: Nixon’s three-word answer

Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked by a Hoops fan hours after Bournemouth’s defeat if there will be an announcement on Howe anytime soon.

He replied by saying: “No excuses now”

The Verdict: He’s bang on

We’re with Nixon in saying that Celtic now have no excuses to get a deal for Howe over the line. He reportedly agreed on a move to become Neil Lennon’s successor last week, with one of the delays on an announcement due to Bournemouth’s involvement in the play-offs.

However, the Cherries' season is now over, so we feel that Celtic should push through a deal as quickly as possible, especially with the club worried over Crystal Palace potentially scuppering a move for the 43-year-old.

The Hoops will only have themselves to blame should any deal collapse from here, with Howe’s desired staff members not receiving any pay rise following Bournemouth's play-off elimination on Saturday.

In other news: 44 y/o feels 'brilliant' £7.5k-p/w Celtic ace could seal exit before June 11, find out more here.