Josip Juranovic Celtic transfer talk addressed by Ange Postecoglou as he makes John Kennedy confession

Ange Postecoglou insists John Kennedy is a key part of his Celtic vision – but he won’t block the coach’s path if he dreams of becoming a boss.

The Hoops assistant manager is understood to be on the shortlist for the top job at Midtjylland with the Danish cracks preparing a shortlist in the next week. Kennedy has been part of the Parkhead backroom team since 2014 and was linked with managerial roles at Hibs and Motherwell.

Postecoglou insisted his right-hand man has the tools to be a top gaffer and he wouldn’t stand in his way. The Celtic boss said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if there’s interest in him. He’s a Celtic man through and through but having had an unfortunate end to his playing career he’s made a concerted effort to get as many skills and learning experiences as possible. He’s worked in the academy and first team in various roles. He’s worked under fantastic managers, present company excluded!

“Should he want to move to the next phase of being a manager – and you would have to ask him that – then he would be an outstanding candidate. “He’s a really important part of our set up here. He leads many of the footballing areas for me and he’s done a fantastic job in my time here.”

Postecoglou added Harry Kewell to his backroom staff this summer but Kennedy has retained an important role. The manager, though, will leave Kennedy to decide his own future.

Postecoglou said: “I don’t think that way, mate. The players and staff, if they do well there may be other opportunities. It’s not down to me, their futures are in their own hands. At the moment John is a key contributor here and he’s really happy with what he’s doing. But what the future holds for him, or for anyone, is up to him.”

Versatile full-back Josip