The sudden exit of Brendan Rodgers must have dazed the Celtic fans who were dreaming of a ‘treble treble’ under the former Liverpool boss. But the Leicester City-bound Northern Irishman has been replaced in no time by his fellow countryman Neil Lennon who is back as the Parkhead chief in his second stint after an eventful previous term between 2010 to 2014.
Lennon, a Celtic legend during his playing days, had a failed managerial spell with Bolton Wanderers but returned to Scottish football with Hibernian in June 2016. The Hibs were struggling in the second tier, but the gaffer took no time in galvanising the club and got them promoted back to Premiership after three years of absence. He also led them to qualify for the prestigious Europa League but a fallout saw him leaving the club just over a month back.
The 47-year-old was a no-nonsense recruit due to his long-term attachment – both as a player as well as the manager. He indeed has enormous contribution in carrying the legacy forward and his recruitment during the earlier stint earned them a significant upsurge in the Scottish top tier.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Victor Wanyama, Fraser Forster, Joe Ledley and many more were given identity before attaining success in English football, and the gaffer must pull off similar deals next summer if retained beyond the ongoing campaign.
Celtic’s crisis at the back is a worrying sign with Dedryck Boyata set to depart on a Bosman transfer at the end of this season. Filip Benkovic, on loan from Leicester City, will reunite with Rodgers at his parent club leaving the Bhoys with Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic as the centre-half options.
Lennon should focus on reconstructing the backline and consider a swoop for Aberdeen ace Scott McKenna who is hailed as an astounding prospect. The Scotsman was chased by Celtic the last summer but received a rejection from the Dons. A lucrative deal from Aston Villa was also turned down a few days later, but the club is destined to lose a player of his calibre in the upcoming window.
McKenna, under contract until 2023, has also been labelled as a ‘tremendous defender’ by Steven Gerrard, the Rangers boss, while speaking to club’s official Youtube channel. There must be competition to snap up the 22-year-old, but, at the same time, the reported £10m asking fee (via the Scottish Sun) might see many cooling down talks for the Scotland international.
Celtic, therefore, will have to make a club-record bid to acquire his services. The player is indeed worth the hype and would be a smart investment amid possibilities of making a high-profile switch to England a few years later.
