Neil Lennon admits Brendan Rodgers surprise over Celtic return but tips 'elite' boss to win back doubters

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon believes the passion of Parkhead punters makes it difficult to accept key figures heading for the exit door.

But the Irishman believes Brendan Rodgers possesses the ability to win back any dissenters among the club's support after his acrimonious departure for Leicester City in 2019. Rodgers is heading back to Glasgow's east end and will replace Ange Postecoglou. And Lennon is in no doubt Rodgers' elite ability will prove a winning combination for a man who earned seven consecutive trophies before being succeeded by Lennon himself.

The 51-year-old admits the initial link over a reunion between Rodgers and Celtic caught him on the hop, however, he is convinced the reunion will be a success. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "First, I was bit surprised, just with the way Brendan left the last time for Leicester. What the board do is they try and go out and get the best candidate for the job. Brendan ticks all the boxes, he's a fantastic manager. He's been there before and had fantastic results the last time.

"I think, from his point of view, Champions League was a big lure for him. They have already qualified for the Champions League. He will really want to get his teeth into that. He will endeavour to win the league and endeavour to further Celtic's reputation in Europe. With the quality of teams and quality of managers he will come up against, he will relish it.

Lennon admits the unceremonious nature which followed his exit for Leicester City will cause some fans to be wary. But he understands why supporters do not want to see their stars in the dugout and the pitch depart. He added: "He will be, initially, you can't get way from that, it was quite acrimonious with the fans in the way he