Sir Kenny Dalglish believes that Celtic interim manager Neil Lennon is in “pole position” to land the role permanently if he leads the club to the title this season.
He praised how the former boss is able to play “open and attractive football” but knows when to change the style of play depending on the situation – being more “rugged” and “aggressive” in defence.
Dalglish said that midfielder Scott Brown still being at the club is a bonus for Lennon, who he says had the best brought out of him by the ex-Hibernian manager.
“Neil knows Celtic inside out and plays open and attractive football. But, when circumstances dictate, he also knows when to change it – to be more rugged and aggressive at the back – and that’s a good thing,” he said in his Sunday Post column.
“The other plus point for Neil and Celtic is that Scott Brown is still there. Neil had him as his captain during his first spell from 2010 until 2014 and he really brought the best out of the midfielder.
“There is clearly mutual respect there, and you could see from his performance at Tynecastle just how hungry Scott is to keep delivering success. He is fully motivated and committed.
“If he goes on to lead Celtic to the Championship in May, he deserves all the credit going. It would be unfair on Neil to give most of the plaudits to the guy who has just left. Whether Neil lands the job on a permanent basis remains to be seen. But winning the title will put him in pole position, I would imagine.”
OPINION
Rodgers leaving Celtic at such an important stage of the season was no doubt a blow for the club, but they have found a more than suitable replacement in the shape of Lennon. If there is anyone who knows the Hoops as well as Rodgers does, it is him, after all, he did have a fair few years of success there. There is no reason why he cannot replicate that success once again this season, and that is the success that is ultimately going to land him the top job at Parkhead. Like Dalglish has pointed out, Brown still being at the club is a huge bonus for Lennon at the moment, especially as he knows him so well after his previous spell. Under Lennon, Brown looks more hungry and determined for success than ever before, and that can only mean a good thing in terms of winning the title this season.