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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Neil Lennon made 'No.1 candidate' for vacant Hibs job

Neil Lennon has been made the top candidate for the vacant Hibernian job, according to a report.

Just two days after Lee Johnson's sacking by the Easter Road club, the Hibs hierarchy has moved to identify their former manager as their ideal replacement.

The Scottish Sun states that Lennon, 52, has already been sounded out by Hibs over a possible return to the Edinburgh club.

The former Celtic manager has been approached by the Gordon family, owners of the capital club, to gauge his feelings over the possibility of taking on the role.

Lennon has been out of work for just under a year after he was sacked by Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia.

He lifted a trophy and guided them into European football, where they faced Manchester United in the Europa League. 

He was previously in charge of Hibs between 2016 and 2019, where he enjoyed a great deal of success.

He guided them back into the top flight after securing the Championship title at the first time of asking.

European football was on the cards just a year later after he guided Hibs to a fourth-place finish in the Premiership.

He would leave the club in January 2019 after an alleged internal matter, in which he strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Just a month later, he would return to Parkhead where he replaced Brendan Rodgers on an interim basis before later being made permanent manager of Celtic again.

Johnson left Easter Road on Sunday after three defeats from three in the Premiership. 

Lennon spoke of his interest in the job the following day. 

He said: “Of course, because I’ve been there before, it’s a big club with potential.

“Whether they approach me or not, it might be worth a conversation.

“There will be loads of applicants for the job, I’m sure, and it’s important the board get it right.”

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley is reportedly attracting transfer interest from the English Championship.

It's claimed the 22-year-old has emerged as a possible target for Leeds and Southampton.

The two clubs are plotting ambitious returns to the Premier League at the first time of asking after relegation last season.

It comes after a bid from Bologna was reportedly booted out by Celtic for O'Riley last week.

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