Lennon the way forward for Celtic

Celtic FC have confirmed Neil Lennon as their new manager, with the 38-year-old former Northern Ireland midfielder having been in charge on a temporary basis since the departure of Tony Mowbray in March.

Lennon, a coach with the club since retiring as a player in 2008, took over as manager after Mowbray lasted just nine months in the job. He led the Hoops on a run of eight consecutive victories to secure second place in the Scottish Premier League and a berth in next season's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.

"Celtic is my home," said Lennon, who has agreed an initial one-year contract. "I have spent the last ten years of my working life here and I look forward to bringing back the success our great club deserves. Whether as a player, captain or manager, I am a Celtic supporter first and foremost, and no-one will work harder to put a winning team on the park."

Celtic discover their UEFA Champions League opposition on 16 July for a tie played on 27 or 28 July and 3 or 4 August.