IMPRESSIVE Former Hoops ace Steven sees the coaching merits in Mcmanus and O’dea

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both, it makes perfect sense to go for one of them.

Pressley (inset) said: “A key factor of promoting from within is they completely understand the fabric of the club and what’s required – not just technically but mentally, which is a big thing about being an Old Firm player. “They understand the importance of winning at Celtic and Stephen and Darren showed their mental strength on the biggest stage against AC Milan.

“They are winners, no doubt about that, and against AC Milan they proved they could handle all of the expectations.

“I played with both and liked their personalities. Darren was young but a real competitor and good player.

“I could see Stephen was a real thinker. I wanted to take him to Coventry in the latter part of his career. We spoke for a long time and it was evident that he’d definitely go into the coaching side of the game.

“When I look back at my career as a coach/manager the one regret I have is that I didn’t have more time on the grass before taking a manager’s job.

“Grass-time is really important. Stephen is slightly older and has had a couple of years more on the grass and a few more miles on the clock.

“Neil’s already got a good coach in John and might be looking for a third one to bring something different.

“Neil is a big personality so I’m not sure a big name is required behind him. He just needs someone to integrate and be part of it immediately so Darren or Stephen would be very good candidates.”