Neil Lennon feels that Scott Brown was a little bit presumptuous when talking about John McGinn being his natural successor at Celtic.
McGinn is still a Hibs player. He will line out for this evening as Lennon's team take on Faroe Islands side Runavik in the second leg of their Europa League qualifier. They are up 6-1 from the first leg.
Celtic have already had two bids turned down for the Scotland international.
Speaking ahead of Celtic's Champions League qualifier this week, Brown - who is good friends with McGinn - said Brendan Rodgers would undoubtedly help the 23-year-old improve as a player.
It's 11 years since Brown walked the path from Hibs to Celtic, the same one McGinn looks likely to take.
"The manager makes everyone a better player," said Brown.
He has been around top-quality players for most of his management career so you are always going to learn from him.
No matter what, the changes of formation and the changes of style we play, it will probably suit John more than anything.
On Wednesday, Lennon told the Daily Record that Brown should refrain from speaking about McGinn in such context.
"I think it’s a bit presumptuous from Scott.
“I don’t know the context of the interview and the atmosphere of the interview, and I’m aware John is admired by a lot of people in the Scottish game, but it’s a bit early from that sort of talk.
“I would prefer it if - regardless of what club John may go to - the players at that club wait until he actually arrives. Then they can talk about him as much as they want.
“We have had two bids in from Celtic which have been rebuffed.
“I think managers talking about players at other clubs is definitely breaking a code, but perhaps Scott was just asked a question and gave an honest answer. However, we as a club would prefer it if a deal was concluded before players talk like that."
Picture credit: Sportsfile
