Celtic 'consider' return of former boss to replace Martin O'Neill: 'It beggars belief'

Celtic should not consider making a move to reunite with former manager Neil Lennon under any circumstances.

That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Bhoys have got to go for an experienced head if Martin O'Neill steps down.

The 74-year-old has made it clear that he will consider his own future during the international break, while Lennon has already emerged as one of the bookmakers' favourites to replace him.

However, Wyness does not believe that the 55-year-old should even be seen as an option for Celtic, regardless of his history with the club.

Lennon previously made over 200 appearances for the Glasgow giants during his playing career, and has since had two spells in charge as manager.

The Northern Irishman won five Scottish Premiership titles during his time at the helm, and is currently managing Dunfermline Athletic.

Keith Wyness shares Celtic's 'number one' choice

Aberdeen's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Lennon shouldn't even be in the picture if Celtic need to appoint a new boss.

Instead, he views former Ipswich chief Kieran McKenna as the "number one" choice to replace O'Neill, as a highly respected coach.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he made it clear that it "beggars belief" that Lennon is even viewed as an option.

"This talk of Neil Lennon, who's the favourite, coming back for a third time at Celtic just beggars belief that they would even consider that," he said.

"We've had the Wilfried Nancy experiment of the developmental managers. They've got to go for experience, in my opinion. 

"Kieran McKenna would be the right one. Can they negotiate a deal with Ipswich? I don't know, but he would be the number one choice, certainly."

Celtic would need to pay £8m to appoint Kieran McKenna

Wyness previously told Football Insider earlier this week that Celtic "have the money" to pay the £8million compensation package needed to land McKenna.

The Northern Irishman stepped down from his role at Ipswich in the summer, but was recently seen in attendance at Parkhead for last weekend's defeat to Rangers.

Wyness believes that McKenna's compensation clause is a "hurdle" that the Bhoys may ultimately be "forced" to overcome, with little on offer in terms of other options.

It remains to be seen whether O'Neill decides to walk away, but it could prove to be a very expensive decision for Celtic long-term.