Eddie Howe reportedly rejected the Celtic job as he has been waiting patiently for the Southampton job to become available [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Howe to Celtic seems like distant memory

In what now seems like the very distant past, Howe could well have been in the Parkhead dugout at the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

Of course, the Englishman famously rejected the job, paving the way for Ange Postecoglou to take the reigns in Glasgow.

Now, the reasoning behind Howe choosing not to take charge of Celtic has become a whole lot clearer following recent reports.

The Latest: Howe holding out for Southampton

According to a source close to the Eddie Howe camp, via Football Insider, the ex-Bournemouth man is set on making a return to the south coast to manage Southampton [Football Insider].

Current Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is believed to be safe for the time being, however may face the axe if he doesn’t start to improve results at St Mary’s.

Location was said to be a key factor in why Howe, hailed as 'special' by Bournemouth legend Brett Pitman, rejected advances from Celtic.

The Verdict: Won't be missed

Firmly an afterthought in the eyes of the Hoops support, it is impossible to envisage what would’ve happened had the 43-year-old been the man to lead the Scottish giants moving forward.

Though a supremely talented young manager, the eventual appointment of Ange Postecoglou has brought back much hope to the Celtic support after a trophy-less 2020/21 campaign, and no matter how well Howe performs elsewhere, no supporter wants a boss who isn't 100 per cent committed.

In his 12 games in charge so far, the Aussie has managed to cultivate an attack minded team who have registered 2.58 goals per game [Footy Stats].

Should the Southampton job indeed become available, it may be the correct launchpad for Howe as he looks to reignite his own managerial career.

In other news, Celtic have sent a player to an injury specialist. Find out more here.