Neil Lennon has spoken out on rumours about Martin O’Neill returning to Celtic.
Following the on-off-on-off Stewart Baxter saga there is apparently a vacancy for a senior coaching figure in the new Celtic managerial set up.
A Director of Football type appointment would hold no appeal for the former Aston Villa boss.
Some Celtic fans would happily bin Lennon to roll out the red carpet for the return of O’Neill with Lennon well aware of that speculation.
Tackling the issue head on the Celtic boss said: “I know my critics will have him replacing me if I lose a couple of games but that’s because he’s had such an impact on the club and he has the connection with the club.
“I don’t know if he’d come back or not, in any capacity. I don’t know if it would appeal to him.
“I haven’t spoken to him this week but I’ve spoken to John Robertson and Steve Walford and I sent Martin a text message.
“I think he earned the right to go. When you’re selling your best players and not allowed to reinvest it would be frustrating for anyone.”
Lennon is concentrating his energy on tomorrow’s SPL opener away to Inverness Caley Thistle whilst also looking to add to his squad.
With or without Craig Bellamy Lennon is looking to strengthen his squad with his attention focused on defenders and a goalkeeper.
Coventry’s Irish ‘keeper Kieron Westwood is one target but gobby Sky Blues boss Aidy Boothroyd has been quick to publicise Celtic’s bid.
Boothroyd claimed: “They made an offer about three weeks ago and Keiren knows all about it.
“It’s £3.50 and a bag of haggis, which is nowhere near enough for a player of that quality. I don’t want to lose someone who I think is the best goalkeeper in the division, someone I want to build a team around.
“Negotiations with him regarding a new contract are ongoing, as they always are. It’s a pain in the neck, but that’s how it is I’m afraid when other people are involved.
“The offer is not really worth talking about – it’s derisory and derogatory. For now Keiren is very much our player.”
Don’t knock it Aidy, when Westwood’s contract expires at the end of the season he could be off to Celtic without even a fried mars bar supper heading to Coventry for compensation.
Aiden McGeady Celtic through and through
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Your man Aidy here will be glad of the haggis when he’s out cutting grass on a weekend to suppliment his income very soon. All power to the Celts, and good man yourself Lennon.