Arsenal star Kieran Tierney admits he's at a loss to explain Celtic's collapse this season, as he backs John Kennedy to earn the job permanently.
The Hoops went into this season looking for their 10th Premiership title in a row but the campaign has been a disaster on all fronts.
Rangers had the title wrapped up by early March, while the European campaign was a disaster and Celtic were knocked out of the League Cup by Ross County.
Tierney moved to Arsenal for £20million in the summer of 2019 but keeps a close eye on events at his former club.
And the Scotland international admits he finds this season's collapse hard to fathom.
Tierney told Sky Sports : "I don’t think anyone could tell you to be honest. It’s been difficult, it’s been a hard season.
“That’s all it is, it’s just a hard season, that can happen. It happens to the best of teams – if you look all over Europe there are a few big teams struggling for form this season especially.
"It’s not something that’s going to last forever, I hope next year they can bounce back to what it was and win titles.”
The Parkhead club are on the hunt for a new manager after Neil Lennon handed in his resignation.
Assistant John Kennedy has taken charge on an interim basis and Tierney believes he should be given an opportunity full-time.
He said: "He’s got his own ideas on how to play football. I worked with him for years under three different managers. I know how good he is.
“If I was a player I would be hoping he gets it to be honest. I know how good he can be with the players.
"I know how much he’s learned from different managers and the experience he’s got, so yeah, I think he would be brilliant.”
