John Hartson expects Neil Lennon to force the hand of the Celtic board by delivering a decisive derby victory on Sunday.
While his former team-mate has gone about the job of completing the task left by Brendan Rodgers the Celtic board has sat back surveying the options open for a permanent manager.
Marco Rose of Salzburg has had his name mentioned from time to time while old favourites Roberto Martinez and Davie Moyes remain somewhere in the background.
Lennon had almost unanimous support to take over as a caretaker but there are doubts over whether he should get the job going forward.
There is a very short window during the close season to make changes with Lennon having the ideal opportunity on Sunday to remind everyone of his credentials by applying the final touches to the Ibrox title dream
In the Evening Times Hartson explains:
Neil will not want to give the board, when it comes to the big meeting, a chance to point out games which didn’t go his way, and use that as excuse not to stick with him.
Beat Rangers,and beat them convincingly, wrap up the league within the next few weeks and then it’s the cup final – presuming they get past Aberdeen, which won’t be easy – then surely he gets the job.
If there are some inside Celtic Park who would like to go with someone brand new for next season, they will be left with a headache if the interim manager produces.
Lennon will get his squad back together tomorrow to prepare for Sunday with Kris Ajer and Mikael Lustig facing each other tonight when Norway face Sweden.
