The Celtic managerial debate rumbles on, and Neil Lennon has thrown a Premiership manager’s name into the mix.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final between Dunfermline and Falkirk, Lennon made it clear just how highly he rates Falkirk boss John McGlynn.
The pair will meet at Hampden with a place in the final on the line, but Lennon was looking beyond the weekend when discussing his opposite number.
McGlynn has quietly built a strong case for himself. Back-to-back promotions took Falkirk into the Premiership, and they have not just made up the numbers. A top-six finish has turned heads, particularly given the gap in resources.
There is also a Celtic link. McGlynn spent over three years at the club as a first-team scout and opposition analyst between 2015 and 2018. He knows the environment and what is expected inside Lennoxtown.
Lennon did not hold back when asked about him. He said (BBC):
“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.”
It is not the usual name being pushed in Celtic circles. The conversation around the next permanent manager has largely centred on bigger profiles and familiar figures.
Robbie Keane has been installed as the early favourite with the bookmakers, while Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has also been mentioned after an impressive season built on a clear, possession-based style.
Celtic’s own situation adds weight to any suggestion. Three managers have taken charge across the campaign, with Martin O’Neill currently in a second interim spell until the end of the season. Stability is needed, but so is clarity on direction.
For now, Lennon’s focus is on Hampden. Dunfermline have already taken out Hibernian and Aberdeen to reach this stage, and he is chasing another upset against Premiership opposition.
Celtic, meanwhile, face St Mirren in the other semi-final on Sunday. The final is set for 23 May.
McGlynn will not be thinking about any Celtic links this weekend. But Lennon’s comments have pushed his name into a space it had not really occupied before.
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