Celtic manager latest: NEW favourite installed, Hibs boss' odds PLUMMET as Neil Lennon set for AC Milan showdown

A new favourite has been installed by bookmakers to become the next permanent Celtic manger.

Hibs boss Jack Ross has seen his odds plummet to become next permanent Celtic manager as Neil Lennon set for San Siro showdown. Picture: SNS

Current boss Neil Lennon has been given the board’s backing indicating that any change is unlikely despite increasing pressure from fans for the club legend to be replaced.

Fervent fan protest following the Betfred Cup defeat to Ross County on Sunday saw fans chant for Lennon to go.

The 49-year-old will be in the San Siro dugout for tonight’s Europa League clash with AC Milan and is already planning to freshen up the squad in January with new recruits.

Lennon said: "It’s not a question of ‘we’re keeping Lenny in the job in spite of everybody.’ They’re keeping me in because they know I can do the job to the standards we set last year.”

Such is the strong feeling amongst fans, speculation will continue to follow the club’s every result.

In the last week both ex-Celtic boss Gordon Strachan and Eddie Howe have been favourites amongst bookmakers to be a possible replacement for Lennon.

A new name to become the next permanent Celtic manager is now favourite and it’s another former Parkhead boss.

Martin O’Neill is 6/5 - from 14/1 earlier in the week – to return to the club despite the former Ireland boss coming out in support of Lennon recently.

Another big mover is Hibs boss Jack Ross who was 16/1 with Betfair on Monday. He is now second favourite at 7/4 after a relatively impressive season so far at Easter Road.

Howe, John Kennedy and Strachan remain high up in the bookmaker’s shortlist.