Lennon understands wishes of wantaway Ferguson

Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon insists he understands Barry Ferguson’s reasons for wanting to quit Scottish football.

The Rangers skipper’s days at Ibrox look numbered after the club confirmed today that he wants to leave following reports that he had become disillusioned with Scottish football.

Ferguson will most likely head for the Premiership – Blackburn Rovers have already made an enquiry about the player and Manchester City are also believed to be interested in the 25-year-old midfielder.

Lennon has already plied his trade in England’s top league when he played for Leicester City under current Celtic boss Martin O’Neill.

And he admits he can fully understand why Ferguson would want to prove himself at a higher level.

Lennon said: “Barry is at an age now where he wants to prove himself and he is seeking a challenge elsewhere.

“We ended up with nothing last year, so there is incentive there for us to win silverware, but I can appreciate his point of view.

“He is coming to the peak of his career and he might want a fresh challenge now.”

Lennon has also been on the verge of quitting Glasgow but for very different reasons.

The Northern Irishman was the victim of a death threat ahead of an international game and has also been involved in several incidents off-field since joining Celtic.

But he says he is now settled at Parkhead and would be happy to extend his stay with the Hoops when his current deal expires.

He added: “I still have two years to go so it’s not really something I’m thinking about at the moment but eventually I would like to sign a new deal.

“I’ll be 34 when my contract runs out so I’m not expecting the same money I’m getting now so I don’t see a problem.”

Lennon is likely to be back in the squad for tomorrow’s game against Partick after being rested for last week’s 5-0 win over Dundee United.

O’Neill’s decision to make changes to his side comes as a result of him being told that no money will be available to spend on new players – despite the pressures of competing in domestic and European competitions.

With Celtic’s place in the group stages of the Champions League all but secure, Lennon admits he was surprised by the board’s decision not to release funds for O’Neill to spend on players.

Lennon said: “From the manager’s point of view he was looking to bring in some quality players.

“I’m not having a go at the board but I would have thought that some funds would have been available to him.

“We are really well equipped for the domestic game but, in Europe, you are looking for the calibre of player who can play there.”