Ex-Scotland manager predicts Kennedy role and new Celtic manager after behind-the-scenes reveal | OneFootball

Alex McLeish has backed John Kennedy to remain at Celtic upon the appointment of a new manager.

The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 37-year-old was a “valuable” member of the coaching staff at Parkhead.

As revealed by Football Insider, Kennedy has been left in the dark over both the Hoops’ manager hunt and his own future at the club.

It is understood the long-serving coach has not been consulted over the appointment of a new manager.

He took over as interim boss following Neil Lennon’s resignation back in February.

McLeish, who is extremely well connected in Glasgow, admitted Kennedy’s hopes of being appointed permanent manager appeared to be dead in the water.

However, he tipped the Hoops man to remain as part of the coaching team under whoever takes charge.

“It kind of smacks of John’s not going to be the new manager,” McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.

“But he does play an integral part in Celtic Football Club. John will still be valuable to that club but I just don’t see him getting the post.

“The players have enjoyed working with him, from what I hear. So, he has got a personality that players like. That is valuable, very valuable, within a system and within a giant club like Celtic.

“It’s not easy to get somebody like John Kennedy to come back and and train the younger ones, for instance. Maybe not quite the man to take the big team forward but very much a guy who can nurture players.”

Kennedy intially joined Celtic as a scout after injury forced him into early retirement as a player.

He worked as an academy coach before being promoted to first-team duties under Ronny Deila.