Neil Lennon thinks rival boss should be 'in the conversation' for Celtic job as key factor swings the pendulum
The Hoops icon is preparing his Dunfermline Athletic side for their Scottish Cup semi-final against Falkirk
Former Celtic man Neil Lennon believes Falkirk boss John McGlynn should be ‘in the conversation’ to take over from Martin O’Neill in the summer.
Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic will face the Bairns on Saturday in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden and has been full of admiration for his opposite number, who has secured a top six finish for Falkirk this season in their first year back in the top flight since 2010 after back-to-back promotions. On Sunday, Celtic will face St Mirren in the other semi-final, as O’Neill looks to close the season out with silverware.
The Celtic boss is set to leave the club in the summer having only agreed to take over on a short-term basis. For his successor, several potential candidates have been named including Ferencvaros manager, Robbie Keane and Portuguese National Team boss, Roberto Martinez, however with so much at stake in the current season, the club aren’t in a hurry at this point in time to make a decision.
McGlynn should be in Celtic ‘conversation’
Speaking ahead of the Hampden clash, Lennon believes the Celtic hierarchy should consider McGlynn based on his ‘longevity’ alone. At 64 years of age, the Bairns boss is nearing two decades of experience in the management game, having also worked at Raith Rovers, Hearts and Livingston.
Lennon said: “He’s (McGlynn) one of the best coaches in the game here. He's got longevity. I think he should be in the conversation for the next Celtic manager as well. Whether that would appeal to John I don't know and I don't want to throw him under the bus. I apologise to the Falkirk people as well, but that's how I rate John.
"I don't think I've ever come up against him in a competitive game. He's in the way on Saturday so we'll just have to go at it as best we can. I've got such admiration and respect for what he's achieved, not just at Falkirk but throughout his career. He's learned, he's worked hard and he's reaping the rewards of it. Fair play. He's a sponge and I know he's very thorough in his detailed approach."
Lennon complains about fixture schedule ahead of Scottish Cup clash
The former Celtic boss has come under scrutiny for his team selection in their 2-2 stalemate with Airdrieonians on Tuesday. With one eye on the Falkirk clash, Lennon fielded the youngest XI in the SPFL this season at the Excelsior Stadium to ensure his big hitters are raring to go on Saturday. The Pars boss has since hit back at his critics, claiming they’ve had too many fixtures in the lead up to the biggest game in their recent history.
He said: “I’m really annoyed about how many games we’ve had to play leading into this game. It’s been really, I think, unfair. We’re getting punished for players getting picked for Scotland (under-21s) and for getting to the semi-final. The game on Tuesday could have been moved a couple of weeks down the line before the end of the season. We’ve had to play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday going into this game. People might have been complaining about the integrity of our team selection on Tuesday night. Well, it’s not our fault. Our hands were forced into that – and we got the result anyway. If other clubs are upset about my team selection, they should take it up elsewhere.”