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Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

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Celtic player identifies the manager he wants at Parkhead next season

Will Butcher
Will Butcher

of the Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers as saying that he wants to see interim manager John Kennedy get the job on a full-time basis.

Welsh, 21, helped Celtic secure a point against their bitter rivals on Sunday afternoon at Parkhead, in what was only his 15th senior appearances for the Bhoys. He partnered Kris Ajer, as Alfredo Morelos scored his first Old Firm goal.

Kennedy probably distanced himself further from getting the job as the Hoops failed to stop Rangers in their pursuit of an unbeaten Scottish Premiership campaign – but at least the interim manager has one fan in the Celtic camp.

Indeed, Welsh – who has started eight of Celtic’s last nine Scottish Premiership matches – spoke after the 1-1 draw about Neil Lennon’s eventual replacement, and he backed Kennedy to get the job permanently.

“Kendo’s doing a great job at the moment. I’ve worked with him for four or five years and he makes it easy for me to go and play. He trusts me to go and play in these games so, yes, I’d definitely like him to get the job,”

Celtic v Rangers - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

TBR’s view – Here is why Kennedy cannot get Celtic job

Recruitment is so important for clubs like Rangers and Celtic. If either are to thrive, both need to have that part of their club running at full capacity – something which the Gers have done well over the past three years.

Celtic, meanwhile, saw their work in the transfer window backfire this season. They need a manager with the calibre to tempt players to Parkhead, players that might not have joined Celtic otherwise. A name like Steven Gerrard.

Rangers have benefitted from that big name in the dugout, bringing some big players to the club. Kennedy simply does not have that reputation and he needs to go out and make a name for himself, before becoming Celtic boss.

Celtic v St. Mirren - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)