Win in Glasgow derby can put Neil Lennon in drivers seat for Celtic job

By John Reid

March 20, 2019

Neil Lennon’s chances of becoming the Celtic manager on a permanent basis could well hinge on the Hoops’ performance against Rangers in the Glasgow derby on the 31st of March.

So far under Lennon, the Hoops haven’t been at their very best. However, a win over the Ibrox side could silence the doubters.

Good record

(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The interim Hoops manager did have a good record against Rangers in his previous spell as Hoops boss. Celtic achieved some notable victories, such as a 2-0 win at Ibrox in 2011, and an emphatic 3-0 win at Celtic Park the same year.

(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

One of the best performances

The performance in the 3-0 win was probably one of the very best in Lennon’s time as Hoops boss. Celtic were rampant, with the likes of Georgios Samaras, Gary Hooper and Emilio Izaguirre in great form.

(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Intriguingly, Izaguirre is once again a Celtic player, although it is doubtful he will start the Glasgow derby. The Rangers team Celtic faced that day is probably better than the one the Hoops will face at the end of March.

Is the current Celtic team better than the one managed by Lennon first time around? Quite possibly. They are more consistent at winning trophies anyway.

There’s no doubt that Lennon would like to be appointed as Hoops manager once more. An emphatic win over Rangers would go a long way to helping him get the job.