Celtic manager latest: SHOCK new favourite to replace Neil Lennon as pressure mounts after Ross County defeat and fan protest

Gordon Strachan is favourite to replace Neil Lennon if he leaves. Picture: SNS

Pressure continues to increase on Lennon following the 2-0 home defeat to Ross County in the Betfred Cup which led to fan anger as fans protested outside Parkhead and chanted for the manager to go.

Yesterday’s defeat saw Celtic’s dominance of domestic cup football end with their first defeat since losing on penalties to Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final in 2016.

The last time they lost in 90 minutes was to Ross County in the same year in the League Cup semi final.

The Northern Irishman, who has won 20 trophies with the club as player and manager, was defiant in the face of adversity stating he should get “more time” to turn it around, albeit he admitted that if he was sacked then “so be it”.

According to reports, the Celtic board will hold talks over the next 48 hours regarding his future.

Ex-Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has previously been odds-on favourites with bookmakers as a possible replacement.

However, it is former manager Strachan who is the favourite to replace Lennon if he were to leave the club at 6/4.

The 63-year-old, who is currently in a technical director role at Dundee, took charge of more than 180 games over a four-year spell, leading the club to three league titles, a Scottish Cup and three League Cups.

Lennon played under Strachan prior to moving to Nottingham Forest before becoming part of Tony Mowbray’s coaching staff in 2008.

Strachan's son Gavin is part of Lennon’s management team.