Gemmell backs Lennon to play on

Celtic legend Tommy Gemmell has urged Neil Lennon to play on but admits he is not surprised by suggestions the Hoops legend is unsettled at Nottingham Forest.

Lennon, aged 36, left Celtic in the summer and chose Coca-Cola League One side Forest for his return to English football.

But Gemmell, who made a similar move to the City Ground in 1971 after many years of success at Parkhead, understands why Lennon – who is considering his future – has returned to Scotland.

Gemmell told the Daily Record: “Neil might think, with the benefit of hindsight, he’s fallen too far by going from the last 16 of the Champions League against AC Milan to playing the likes of Yeovil and Doncaster Rovers on a weekly basis.

“These are not the stages a man like him wants to play on and he might have been better off taking one of the other offers that came his way when he left Celtic, like the chance to join Roy Keane at Sunderland.

“If he’s caught between two minds over what to do next I’d recommend Neil go on playing for as long as he can.”

The veteran midfielder was a notable absentee from the Forest team against Oldham on Tuesday night, with manager Colin Calderwood insisting Lennon had a back injury.

He joined Forest on a one-year deal in the summer after seven years with SPL champions Celtic, with whom he won the domestic league and cup double last season.

Lennon’s agent Martin Reilly insisted his client had not walked out on Forest but confirmed there were issues which needed to be discussed, notably the fact the midfielder’s girlfriend and child are still living in Glasgow.

Forest have stressed they expect to see Lennon back at the club “in the near future”.