Lennon not ready to leave first love Celtic

When, and not if, the offer of managing in England is dangled in front of Neil Lennon, it’s the darker days of his first season in the Celtic hot seat he’ll take into account.

For while the Armagh man’s success in the last two seasons has now seen him being linked with jobs in the Premier League and Championship, there was a period early on at Parkhead when his position came under pressure.

That Celtic’s Irish owner Dermot Desmond stuck with the rookie caretaker boss at the end of the 2010 season — during which defeat to Ross County in the Scottish Cup marked the low point — was brave but ultimately wise.