Former Scotland head coach Alex McLeish has expressed his concerns for Celtic after Paul Lambert ruled himself out of the running for the manager's position.

Issues ahead for the Bhoys?

The Scottish tactician told the Go Radio Football Show that he is not keen on tarnishing the relationship that he had with the Parkhead faithful.

Lambert recently left Ipswich Town by mutual consent after having differences of opinion with the club's board despite sitting just outside the Playoff places in League One.

Sky Sports' Jim White confirmed that Steve Clarke, Rafael Benitez and Roberto Martinez are also being considered to replace Neil Lennon who resigned in February.

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish claimed that Lambert's admission highlights a bigger picture that may be difficult for segments of the supporters to digest.

“It was interesting to hear Paul saying that because it looks like he doesn’t feel it’s going to be a quick fix,” he said.

“There has to be some rebuilding done and that is difficult when you’re an Old Firm manager, to be patient. Rangers fans have been right behind Stevie G for three years and he’s slowly built the team.

“That’s something that the Celtic fans may see as well. That could be a problem for the new manager coming in, is winning straight away. Rangers are in a hell of a good shape.

“The new man has to be aware they have to hit the ground running as well.

“It’s difficult for Old Firm fans to say: ‘Okay, we’ll give this guy a couple of years. We’ll just be patient.’ As soon as it’s a defeat or a draw, it’s chaos.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

McLeish is right. It may be uncomfortable for some of the fans to accept, but the rebuilding job required at Celtic could take years rather than months.

This is not an ideal scenario, but one that might be necessary to galvanise the club back to its place at the summit of Scottish football.

While the 2020/21 campaign will be one to forget, next season could be the start of something special if Celtic get their recruitment spot on.

In other news, Celtic-linked manager responds to Parkhead rumours; Mourinho once dubbed him 'incredible.'