Former Celtic midfielder explains why Hoops should target Premier League manager

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Ex-Celtic midfielder Craig Burley reckons his old club should target current Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez to be the next permanentboss at Parkhead.

Celtic will contest the Scottish Cup final with Hearts this weekend, and after that attentions will be turned to the managerial situation.

Neil Lennon is currently in charge on an interim basis, and would seemingly be in a strong position to get the job full-time if he sees the Treble Treble through.

A section of fans are not convinced by Lennon though and are imploring the club to consider other options to take the club forward and maintain dominance in Scotland.

In the eyes of Burley, Hoops officials should look no further than Benitez, who has worked wonders with limited resources at Newcastle.

He said, as quoted by The Scottish Sun: “I just think if Celtic want to make a statement, they have to go after somebody like a Benitez or somebody with a bit of ilk who has got a CV.

“He’s a Champions League winner, I think he won the league in Spain when he was managing there. We’re talking top drawer managers.

“The fact that Benitez is doing what he’s doing at Newcastle is pretty amazing I think, particularly the second half of the season.”

TBR’s view

Celtic fans would surely love Benitez to pitch up at Parkhead.

It would seem that the Spaniard wants to remain at St. James’ Park, but only if he is back by owner Mike Ashley.

An announcement on that is expected soon, but should Benitez become available then as Burley says, Celtic have to test the waters.

Benitez is an outstanding manager who has worked in England, Italy and Spain.

If Celtic got him, Rangers would surely have to forget about a league title anytime soon.