Neil Lennon would make first major mistake in second Celtic spell by extending Mikael Lustig’s contract

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Mikael Lustig is out of contract at the end of the season and it was looking unlikely that his deal would be extended under Brendan Rodgers.

But with new manager Neil Lennon at the helm, Lustig was given a second chance to save his Celtic career.

And according to The Scotsman, Lennon has indicated that he will consider the possibility of keeping Lustig beyond the end of this season.

Lennon said: “I’m not writing him off, I know what he is capable of and what a player he is”, before adding “this guy has been a top, top player for this club and a top player for his country as well and I think he’s got plenty to offer Celtic.”

It is important to acknowledge that Lustig has been an excellent and loyal servant for Celtic over the years.

With over 250 appearances for the Bhoys under his belt, the Sweden international has been a major part of Celtic’s success since his 2012 arrival.

But the time has come to move on. The 32-year-old is past his peak and has not been the same player over the past two seasons with Celtic.

Looking ahead to the long-term future, Celtic need a new right-back to be Lustig’s successor.

Offering Lustig a new deal shows an unwillingness to progress and it would be a mistake by Lennon.