Sources: Big update on Celtic manager search & who board want to replace Lennon
Celtic are setting their sights on a Brendan Rodgers-style manager to replace Neil Lennon after he left earlier on Wednesday, Football Insider understands.
The Scottish giants have started the formal search for a permanent successor to the northern Irishman following his decision to resign before he was sacked.
A Celtic source has told Football Insider the criteria the board have set for the new manager and the kind of profile they are looking for.
Key qualities are a proven track record in developing and improving players on the training ground, especially young talent.
The club want those youngsters to become genuine Celtic stars before some are sold on at a profit.
The source explained the club "basically want another Brendan, or someone of that profile".
The likes of Eddie Howe and Roberto Martinez, proven in developing and improving players at Premier League clubs as well as lower down the Football League pyramid, would certainly fit the bill for Celtic.
They are among the bookmakers' early favourites for the vacant post, but it remains to be seen if either could be convinced to head to Glasgow.
Lennon's number two John Kennedy has been installed interim manager and will have eight league games to persuade the board he deserves the job full-time.
He has not been discounted by the club at this stage, but fans crave a proven manager with a higher profile.
The board's priority is to turn a profit every year while winning domestic silverware and qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League.
The latter was achieved in Rodgers' first two seasons as manager but not in his third, and in neither of Lennon's last two European campaigns.