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John Collins has aired his doubts regarding Eddie Howe’s push to have his own choice of director of football installed at Celtic.
Many expected Howe to be appointed last week, but as yet the club have still not confirmed a replacement for Neil Lennon, who resigned in February following his side’s second defeat to Ross County this season.
The former Bournemouth manager remains favourite to fill the vacancy, but it is believed that his preference for Bournemouth’s technical director Richard Hughes as a director of football at Celtic is a sticking point in negotiations.
Parkhead legend John Collins is behind Howe as a candidate, but has raised an eyebrow at Howe’s apparent demand.
Speaking on , the former Hibs and Monaco midfielder said: “I think Eddie Howe is a terrific manager and I enjoyed watching his Bournemouth team.
“He was a brave coach who never parked the bus and was an entertaining manager.
“He fits the bill for Celtic. But there has to be a timescale. Every supporter and the players are asking ‘when is this going to be concluded?’.
“Celtic want him, he knows he’s in demand so he knows he’s in a strong position. Him asking to bring in a director of football has put Celtic on the back foot.
“I can understand Eddie asking to bring all his staff. But what he’s asking with the director of football is to basically appoint his own boss. I’ve never heard of that in football before.
“So it depends on how important Celtic see that role. They had a director of football last season but for a number of years they haven’t.
“The big talk was they would appoint a director of football first and then bring the manager in.
“I also don’t think they would want to announce the new appointment leading up to the semi-final. That would take the mind of the coach and the players away from the game. All the spotlight would be on Eddie.
“Maybe they’ll get the weekend’s game out of the way and then announce it.”
Celtic are next in action at 3pm on Sunday when they take on Rangers in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox, in a game that was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday but has been moved due to Prince Philip’s funeral.