Celtic ‘too big a club’ to be left hanging by Howe – McAvennie

Frank McAvennie insists Celtic are too big a club to be left hanging by Eddie Howe.

The Parkhead outfit have had talks with the former Bournemouth boss about possibly replacing Neil Lennon, who resigned as Hoops manager in February with Rangers on the way to preventing their Old Firm rivals winning a 10th successive title.

Reports subsequently claimed Howe is waiting until the summer before he makes a decision about his future.

However, the 61-yearold former Scotland, Celtic and West Ham striker said: “He could say to Celtic ‘I am coming’ or sign paperwork to say he’s coming.

“If it is true that he is going to speak to Crystal Palace and Newcastle then I would say no.

“I don’t know if I want him because his heart is not in coming up here then.

“I played in England a long time and people don’t realise down south how big a club Celtic are, – or Rangers for that matter.

“They are huge clubs and they won’t know until they get up here and walk through the door and realise how big they are.

“He is a good manager and of course people will be interested in him.

“But I just hope Celtic have not put all their eggs in one basket and relied on Eddie Howe because there are a lot of other good managers out there.

“You can’t wait until June for Eddie Howe to say no. Celtic is too big a club for that, they shouldn’t wait for anyone in that respect.

“I am sure Dermot (Desmond, principal shareholder) and Peter (Lawwell, outgoing chief

executive) and the new chief executive coming in (Dominic McKay) will be talking to different people, I am sure of it.

“Celtic is a massive club so they won’t be just talking to one guy, surely not?”

McAvennie believes Scottish Cup holders Celtic are in fine fettle for the trip to Ibrox following their convincing 6-0 Premiership win over Livingston at Parkhead on Saturday, their biggest league victory of the season.

The Hoops led at the interval through goals by winger James Forrest and midfielder David Turnbull before a second-half onslaught.

Skipper Scott Brown’s header via Livi defender Jack Fitzwater in the 50th minute came before a terrific Mohamed Elyounoussi double and a late strike by substitute Ryan Christie.

McAvennie said: “That was a strong result. Livi are not an easy team to beat. The players are all playing for each other now.

“Maybe they are playing for a move or to stay for next season, who knows and who cares, as long as they turn it on when it matters against Rangers.”

Eddie Howe.