Martin O’Neill stunned by criticism over Celtic hiring Neil Lennon

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Celtic hired Neil Lennon a full-time basis after his success last season.

Martin O’Neill has revealed his shock over the fan criticism surrounding Celtic’s decision to hire Neil Lennon on a permanent basis.

Lennon returned to Parkhead in February to replace Brendan Rodgers, who swapped Celtic for Premier League side Leicester City.

The Northern Irishman succeeded in leading the Hoops to a historic treble Treble, and owner Dermot Desmond offered him the job directly after their Scottish Cup final win over Hearts last month.

Prior to Lennon’s appointment, the Bhoys were being linked with a number of big-name managers including Jose Mourinho – who was reportedly offered the job [Di Marzio] – and Rafael Benitez.

With that in mind, you can understand why hiring Lennon was perceived as a relatively underwhelming appointment which disappointed quite a lot of Celtic fans.

But the Scots’ former manager O’Neill can’t get his head around why some supporters weren’t keen on the idea.

O’Neill, now the Nottingham Forest boss, told The Scottish Sun: “When I heard there was some criticism towards Neil getting the job, I would have to say that it truly took me aback.

“I really can’t get my head around it at all because I don’t think he put a foot wrong after taking over from Brendan Rodgers.

“For me there is an easy answer when people are asking why Celtic have given him the job for a second time ­— he was the OUTSTANDING candidate for it. He has the personality to drive the club forward.”