Celtic appointing Neil Lennon could be exactly what Rangers need

Follow us on Google Discover

Glasgow Rangers look set to fall short in the Scottish Premiership title race, but perhaps the Ibrox side will take some hope into next season.

It sounds ridiculous to say after six wins and three draws from nine games, but Celtic appointing Neil Lennon as their permanent manager could be exactly what Rangers need as they look to end their wait for a major trophy.

The Hoops remain on course to secure another domestic treble. They sit nine points clear of the Gers in the Scottish Premiership with four games remaining and also have a Scottish Cup final to look forward to.

Lennon has kept the side on track since taking over in the wake of Brendan Rodgers’ surprise departure and appears to be in contention to stay on (via BBC Sport). But if Celtic want to ensure that Rangers remain at arm’s length, they need to be ruthless and look elsewhere for their permanent manager this summer.

Celtic have now failed to score in their last two league games, drawing at home to Livingston and away to Hibernian. On both occasions, the opposition goalkeepers produced outstanding performances, but it is perhaps a warning sign that they have not been able to score.

The Bhoys have previously needed stoppage-time goals to beat Hearts and Dundee. And they needed a late goal to beat 10-man Rangers after Steven Gerrard’s side had been allowed back into the game.

Their occasional inability to put teams away is not going to prove costly this season. But having seen Lennon’s tenure stagnate somewhat in the latter stages of his first spell, the Celtic board must be wary about giving him the job on a permanent basis.

It is going to be a crucial summer for both sides of the Old Firm. Rangers are making some progress, and an outstanding window will give them plenty of belief heading into next season.

And with Celtic taking their time to wrap up the title, it would be no surprise if the Gers felt that the Hoops giving Lennon the job permanently will only hand their title hopes a further boost.