Departing Norway coach Egil Olsen has told Celtic they will have to look elsewhere in their search for a successor to Wim Jansen.

The 56-year-old admitted he had received several approaches from Parkhead chiefs about taking over after his involvement in the World Cup was over.

But after Norway's 1-0 second round defeat by Italy in Marseille yesterday, Olsen revealed he will be taking six months out of the game to have a hip replacement operation.

"I was flattered by Celtic's interest but I must go into hospital for the operation and that will keep me out of football for six months," he said. Former Sweden coach Tommy Svensson was reported as saying he will make a decision about the post over the next few days, while sacked Saudi Arabia coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is the latest name to be thrown into the ring.