Frank Lampard says he's waiting for the right time to return to management after being linked with the vacant Celtic job.

The former Derby and Chelsea boss has been out of work since he was sacked at Stamford Bridge. But he has been consistently linked to the Hoops job.

The England legend has revealed he's had a few interesting conversations in recent weeks regarding a return to football. And though he did not namecheck Celts specifically, Lampard admitted that whatever has been brought up to him so far has NOT been good timing.

Speaking ahead of the London Football Awards, Lampard said: "I've had some opportunities that have come up in the last six weeks, two months, that have been flattering but not the right thing. Nobody wants to lose their job and come out of the game you love, but at the same time ... when you go into this career, this will happen, no matter how good you think you are or whatever circumstances you are in.

"It was certainly the time for me to take a step out, having been managing for 2-1/2 years full pelt and having the family situation,

"The opportunities weren't quite right but I think about it. It would be something I'm keen to do, at the right time, at the right place."

We told how former EPL star Paul Robinson described a potential square-off between Lampard and Rangers' Steven Gerrard as "box office". Hoops-daft manager Steve Evans also tipped Lampard to take over at Parkhead.