Tottenham striker Robbie Keane

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has ruled out Robbie Keane making a loan return to Celtic.

The Spurs striker joined the Bhoys until the end of the season during the January transfer window and went on to score 16 goals in 19 games for the Old Firm giants.

New assistant boss Johan Mjallby admitted earlier this week that Celtic were interested in taking the Republic of Ireland international on another short-term deal.

However, Redknapp is keen to see if Keane can kick-start his Tottenham career after returning to north London.

And even if the 30-year-old cannot secure a regular first-team role at White Hart Lane, Redknapp insists he would only consider letting him leave again in a permanent deal rather than a loan.

"I wouldn't think that's a possibility because we paid good money for him and to loan him out again, it wouldn't be a goer," he said.

"If Robbie's not happy when the season starts and he's not playing then we'll sit down and discuss it.

"And if he wants to move, someone will have to buy him, but I'm hoping he comes back into the team and makes a real impact."

Mjallby conceded earlier this week that if Keane were available, Celtic would not be able to afford the transfer fee.