John Kennedy joins Collins as possible Celtic No 2

Ronny Deila was unveiled as the new manager of Celtic last week. Picture: SNS

Former Hibs manager John Collins remains the favourite to become the Norwegian’s No 2 but an agreement has not yet been reached with the 58-times capped Scotland internationalist. It is understood that Collins, who played for Celtic between 1990 and 1996, has met with Deila and the new manager believes him to be a perfect fit.

But it is not known if talks have gone as far as discussing personal terms and, with Collins reported to be one of four candidates, former Celtic defender Kennedy is believed to be another possibility. Kennedy made his first-team debut for Celtic in 1999 but sustained a serious knee injury five years later in his first and only Scotland appearance, falling victim to a horror challenge by Romania’s Ionel Ganea at Hampden. After a comeback which included a loan spell at Norwich, he was forced to retire in 2009 aged just 26.

He is currently assistant coach of the Celtic Under-20s.