Former Celtic hero Frank McAvennie believes that the Parkhead club should look to avoid giving the permanent managerial role to John Kennedy.

McAvennie not impressed

The Scottish tactician and ex-Hoops centre-back has taken charge of the first-team until the end of what has been a forgetful 2020/21 campaign for the reigning champions.

Neil Lennon resigned in February after dropping further behind arch-rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership table, with their pursuit of an unprecedented 10-in-a-row going up in smoke.

Chris Sutton accused Kennedy of "running for the hills" before the Christmas period with his side having picked up just two wins from 10, leaving Lennon to face the music alone (via Daily Record).

Celtic beat Aberdeen 1-0 in what was the first game of the post-Lennon era in Glasgow, but McAvennie told Football Insider that the football was no different to what was being played before the Northern Irishman's departure, leaving him baffled by the Hoops' interest in giving Kennedy the permanent gig.

“Same old, same old," he said. “Nothing changed and in the second half, they were awful.

“These games are just like training games. There is no urgency and there is no commitment.

“This is why I don’t think the club should appoint John Kennedy permanently. You cannot cut your teeth at a club like Celtic. There is too much pressure and the burden is too high.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

It may be a bit unfair to pass judgement on Kennedy after just 90 minutes of football. However, the first impressions do not look promising for him.

It's a simple formula at Celtic. There will be a colossal demand for the team to bounce back and reclaiming the title next season at the first time of asking will be paramount.

Whether it is with Kennedy, remains to be seen. But the likes of Steve Clarke, Rafael Benitez and Roberto Martinez remain in the picture to possibly inherit the role.

In other news, Celtic contact 'fantastic' manager as news from Hoops source emerges.