Celtic’s John Kennedy has been linked with Hibernian.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has told the Edinburgh Evening News that John Kennedy won’t be leaving the club despite interest from Hibernian.
Hibs sacked boss Paul Heckingbottom last week, and are now searching for a quick appointment, with Harry Kewell spotted at their game against St Johnstone this weekend.
The Easter Road side are of course considering a number of options, and after letting Lennon go earlier this year, Hibs seemingly want his assistant.
It’s noted that Kennedy features ‘prominently’ on Hibernian’s wish list, but Lennon is putting up a strong resistance to his former club’s interest.
Lennon has admitted that he isn’t surprised by the interest because Kennedy is a ‘superb coach’, but promised that he won’t be going anywhere because he’s so important at Parkhead.
“I don’t want John to go but it doesn’t surprise me he is being linked with Hibs because he is a superb coach,” said Lennon. “It’s a feather in John’s cap if it’s the case Hibs are interested but as far as I’m concerned, he won’t be going anywhere because he’s an integral part of what we do here,” he added.
Kennedy, 36, was forced to hang up his boots early after an injury-hit playing career, but has earned a strong reputation since turning his hand to coaching.
When Kolo Toure and Chris Davies followed Brendan Rodgers to Leicester, Kennedy refused the move and stayed put at Celtic, telling The Herald that there was no chance he was following the rest of the Bhoys staff to Leicester.
Being offered a top job of his own may be more appealing than just being on Rodgers’ coaching staff, but Lennon is standing firm and not letting the Scot leave Parkhead any time soon.
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