Exciting names on Celtic ‘shortlist’, surprise Rangers development, Parkhead board warned over ‘war’, Steve Clarke backed to replace Neil Lennon – Scottish Premiership Rumour Mil

Well, not much has happened this week in Scottish football has it? It has been another busy period on and off the pitch.

Thursday's Scottish football news. Picture: SNS

Neil Lennon’s departure from Celtic on Wednesday morning has rightly dominated the headlines as he stepped down from the role with John Kennedy taking interim charge. The speculation and chatter regarding the next Parkhead boss is already in full flow.

Tonight, Rangers look to secure passage into the last-16 of the Europa League, holding a 4-3 first-leg lead going into the clash at Ibrox.

So, all of Thursday’s Scottish football news:

There are plenty of exciting names on the bookmakers’ shortlist for the next Celtic manager. Neil Lennon departed on Wednesday leaving John Kennedy in interim charge. Kennedy, Eddie Howe and Scotland boss Steve Clarke are amongst the favourites. Also names are the likes of Rafa Benitez and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez. (The Scotsman)

There is no set date for Hearts winger Josh Ginnelly to return to action. The on loan Preston ace appeared to sustain a season-ending injury in a win over Raith Rovers. Manager Robbie Neilson confirmed that the prospect of an early return has not been “broached”. (Evening News)

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard revealed he would "share a pint” with Neil Lennon “once the dust settles”. The Ibrox manager was empathetic towards the former Celtic boss who left his Parkhead post. (The Scotsman)

Ex-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers believes his former club should look to appoint a director of football before naming a permanent replacement for Neil Lennon. He said: “In the modern game, to have a director of football, especially at a club like Celtic, I think it’s absolutely critical to have that.” (Scottish Sun)

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she “hopes” the country can be in the position regarding the coronavirus for fans to be able to go to London to support Scotland against England at the Euros. She said: “I certainly hope we can be in a position to be doing that and I hope we then come away feeling really upbeat and positive as well.” (Various)

Rangers trio Nathan Patterson, Calvin Bassey and Bongani Zungu could be set for an early return to action. There had been doubts that they would play again this season after their Covid-19 breach but they could all be available for the Livingston league clash next week and Patterson could face Antwerp on Thursday. (Daily Record)

Former Everton and Scotland ace Pat Nevin reckons “it would be great for Celtic" if they were to appoint Scotland manager Steve Clarke as Neil Lennon's replacement. He said: “He absolutely has the credentials". (Daily Record)

A banner was unveiled at Celtic Park in the aftermath of Neil Lennon's departure aimed at the club’s board: “Warning. This war ain’t over”. Fans have been unimpressed with the club’s hierarchy and their role in the poor season. (Scottish Sun)

St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin feels the Celtic players have let Neil Lennon down following his resignation from the Parkhead post. A former youngster at Celtic Park, Goodwin said: “Celtic have a squad full of top international players and multi-millions of pounds worth of talent on the park and for whatever reason, and ultimately they have let Neil Lennon down as far as I’m concerned.” (Daily Record)