NEIL LENNON has confirmed he will lose one of his back room staff next month when Damien Duff takes up a full time post in the Republic of Ireland set up.

There was talk of a role share but it was never going to be practical and with Damien’s Celtic contract coming to an end in June – it’s the right time for the former footballer to move on.

The Celtic boss admitted to RecordSport it is a blow because he and Damien had great chemistry since he was brought up from the reserves to help Lenny on his return to the club.

Damien was quickly promoted to the first team set up after joining Celtic at the back end of the Rodgers era.

Duff has had a great rapport with the team also and the younger players. It will be hard to replace him as Neil Lennon mentions.

“I spoke to Damien on Monday and he was in good spirits but he’ll join the FAI.

“He’s in his formative years as a coach but he made a huge contribution and there was a good chemistry there. So he’ll be difficult to replace, that’s for sure.

“We were waiting on everything getting called first then we’ll look to replace him but it’s
not at the forefront of
our minds.

“Damien’s at home in Ireland but his contract doesn’t run out until the end of next month.

“If we come back on June 10 we might have him until the end of the month and that might buy us some time to look to bring someone in or promote from within.”

Celtic could bring back an old face in Johan Mjallby if they wanted to or take up another former Celt looking to get their coaching badges.

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