Neil Lennon, best known for his success at Celtic Park as both a player and manager, has revealed ‘the one that got away’ during his time as manager of the Glasgow giants.
Celtic, who are 1/50 in the SPFL title odds , even managed to get this star striker onto their training ground but just couldn’t close the deal.
Lennon also revealed who was the most talented player he ever worked with, what could be next for Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi, and his disappointment with Northern Ireland dropping out as Euro 2028 co-hosts.
The One That Got Away
Q: Who is the ‘one that got away’ during your time at Celtic?
The one that got away at Celtic was Ivan Toney, unfortunately he ended up going to Brentford.
We had a lot of discussions and even had him at the training ground, we were very close to getting him but it wasn’t meant to be.
He’d have torn up the division and you can see that by looking at what he has gone on to do.
*Rangers, at 20/1, are the nearest challengers to Celtic in the SPFL outright odds .
The Talent of Paddy McCourt
Q: Who has been the most talented player that you have worked with?
Paddy McCourt was the most talented player I've worked with. He was phenomenal and did some incredible things during training and in games, if you look at his highlight reel then it will take your breath away. He is the most naturally gifted footballer I've worked with.
He did have cardiovascular problems that wasn't his fault, it was just in his genetics. But what a talent he was, he could literally beat people in a telephone box.
He used to do the one-on ones, defence against attack in training, and every time it was Paddy's turn you could see all the defenders backing up.
He had beautiful feet and great balance and a great pass. He was an exceptional footballer.
*Bet on SPFL Football odds with BoyleSports.
What Next For Kyogo Furuhashi
Q: Is Kyogo Furuhashi the best forward Celtic have had since Henrik Larsson?
Celtic have had a lot of good strikers since Henrik Larsson and I think Kyogo Furuhashi is in a bracket with Gary Hooper, Leigh Griffiths, Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard.
Everyone has their favourites from Larsson onwards, but there is no doubt that Furuhashi is a class player.
Q: Could Kyogo Furuhashi thrive in the Premier League?
Kyogo Furuhashi could thrive in the Premier League depending on what style of team he played for. He is always on the move and likes to play in a fluid attacking team, he has the quality to play in many leagues around Europe and has given so much to Celtic.
His contribution has been huge.
Scotland’s Co-Efficient Rankings Drop
Q: Is it strange that Scotland has dropped a place in the co-efficient rankings?
It’s strange to see the coefficient drop when they are getting good results, but that won’t impact clubs in the short term.
It’ll just be about looking ahead at what’s to come and hoping that all Scottish clubs do well as well as the national team.
Northern Ireland Dropping Out As Euro 2028 Co-Hosts Really Disappointing
Q: How much of a shame is it to not have a Euro 2028 game in Northern Ireland?
I'm really disappointed that Northern Ireland won’t be hosting a game at Euro 2028. Really disappointed that the funds haven’t been made available.
There was some debate about the legacy of the stadium and there were some funds made available, but to have to drag on for so long and end the way it did is disappointing.
You were thinking of the money it would bring to the economy and how Northern Ireland is moving in the right direction, it’s a shame.
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly.
