KENNEDY: ‘A RISK,’ SAYS COLLINS

JOHN COLLINS reckons making rookie John Kennedy the new Celtic manager would be “a risk”.

The 37-year-old former central defender has been put in charge on an interim basis following the exit of Neil Lennon last month.

Kennedy has seen the side beat Aberdeen 1-0 with a deflected shot from Odsonne Edouard and then draw in a scoreless in a dismal display against Dundee United at Tannadice to officially surrender their title after a decade of domination.

Collins, the ex-Hoops midfielder and assistant manager during Ronny Deila’s two-year reign, said: “It’s a different ball game stepping up to be manager.

“He was with me and Ronny while Brendan Rodgers speaks very highly of him. He’s got vast experience on the training pitch and there’s no doubt he’s a terrific coach.

“John is a very calm, calculated individual. I think he speaks very well in press conferences.

“But, at this moment in time, it’s a risk because he hasn’t been a manager before.

“I think probably his best bet would be to go somewhere else and get experience and then maybe come back. But for him to jump into the seat just now, I think is a big ask.”

Collins expressed as interest in the new proposed role of director of football at his former club – as CQN reported – where he played from 1980 to 86 after being bought by Billy McNeill from Hibs for £1million.

The former Scotland international star, speaking to BBC Sportsound, added: “Recruitment is the biggest thing for the new manager because Rangers are a settled team.

“There is a nucleus of good young players there, but there will have to be five first-team signings, minimum.”

Kennedy is currently preparing his squad for the scheduled visit of Steven Gerrard’s team for the High Noon showdown on Sunday.