Neil Lennon has told Christian Eriksen he would NOT get a game at Celtic.
The Manchester United midfielder is heading into the final six months of his deal and looks increasingly likely to depart Old Trafford in the summer if not sooner. The rumour miller is heading into overdrive as the winter window opens for business in just a matter of weeks with Brendan Rodgers likely to be involved as he bids to add further depth to his champions.
But one man Lennon can’t see a deal happening for is Eriksen. Before even considering his game time, which he would see hard to come by with the midfield riches and talent on offer at Parkhead, his wages would also be huge and it is a move that he doesn’t believe would suit Rodgers or the club.
Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest SPFL odds, Lennon said: “With the talent Celtic have at their disposal at the moment, I’m not sure that Christian Eriksen would get into the team. He is a classy player and always has been, but I’m not sure who he would come in to replace. You’d have to consider the wages he’d want as well. I can’t see it happening and I’m not sure it would suit the club at the moment.”
Lennon is a huge fan of the current crop who can put down a further marker in the title race when they visit Aberdeen tonight. The Hoops are unbeaten domestically while also making a stamp in the Champions League. Former captain and boss Lenny rates this time right up there against other squads from across the last decade.
He said: “In terms of depth, this is the best Celtic squad for a decade. The players look hungry and a good example is having three central defenders in Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales who are interchangeable.
“You also have Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, Luke McCowan, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate in midfield. Then going forward there is Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah and then Nicolas Kuhn out wide. There is an abundance of talent and the strength and depth at Celtic is the best it has been for a long time.”
Lennon as a player and manager has played and worked alongside some real top talents. But for him, only one man stands out and he insists watching his best bits would ‘take your breath away’ and hailed him an ‘exceptional football’.
He added: “Paddy McCourt was the most talented player I’ve worked with. He was phenomenal and did some incredible things during training and in games, if you look at his highlight reel then it will take your breath away. He is the most naturally gifted footballer I’ve worked with.
“He did have cardiovascular problems that wasn’t his fault, it was just in his genetics. But what a talent he was, he could literally beat people in a telephone box.
He used to do the one-on ones, defence against attack in training, and every time it was Paddy’s turn you could see all the defenders backing up. He had beautiful feet and great balance and a great pass. He was an exceptional footballer.”