How Neil Lennon could return to Celtic with Omonia Nicosia as European scenario mapped out

If Neil Lennon ever manages against Celtic again it's going to be a very odd occasion.

The Parkhead legend has done it before, of course, in his time as Hibs boss but that was before his ill-fated return.

The collapse of the 10 In A Row dream saw Lennon 's second spell end in acrimony, with many supporters not yet ready to forgive him for a dire campaign.

Many expected the Irishman to resurface in Scotland but instead he's accepted the job at Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus.

That doesn't mean though that the former Hoops captain and manager won't be returning to face his old side in the near future, with the possibility both sides will be involved in European competition.

Nicosia are in the bottom half of the Cypriot league after a Premiership -style split but the chance remains they'll be involved next season.

So, how likely is it that Lennon will be returning to try and knock his former side out of Europe? Well, not that likely. But it is possible.

Here's what needs to happen.

Lennon's record in the cups wasn't always the best, at least not in his first spell.

The Irishman saw his side denied by the likes of Ross County, Kilmarnock and Hearts in knockout competitions, though his record of four Scottish Cups and League Cup would be the envy of most.

If he can lift silverware in Cyprus, the first domino will fall for a rapidfire Celtic reunion.

The winners of the Cypriot Cup will go into the main path of the third qualifying round of the Europa League, where if everything else falls into place they could well face Celtic.

They're currently three points clear at the top with eight games to go, and that looks almost certain to guarantee a place in next season's Champions League group stage.

The race is far from over