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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Neil Lennon is looking to further trim his first-team squad this summer despite the departure of a number of players already, as reported by Sky Sports.
What’s he said?
Familiar faces such as Mikael Lustig, Emilio Izaguirre and Dedryck Boyata all said goodbye to Celtic at the end of last season, with other deadwood such as Marvin Compper and Cristian Gamboa being moved on too.
It’s a summer of change at Celtic Park and from the look of Lennon’s comments on Friday, more are on their way out the door.
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As quoted by Sky Sports, the Hoops boss said:
“I think there’s some trimming to do, yes.
“We have to be mindful with the amount of games we play, so the squad has to be of a decent size.
“We don’t want to have players on the periphery of the squad on a decent wage being left out.
“The squad is too big for my liking and I think it’s important that we [trim] it.”
Given so many have left the squad already, it begs the question – who could possibly be next?
Defensive rethink
One player whose status at Celtic looks decidedly shaky is Jack Hendry, who continues to be largely frozen out of first-team affairs.
Signed in January 2018, the player managed to make just three league starts last term, struggling to break into a side that had been suffering from significant injury problems in his position.
With his lack of appearances, it’s fair to say the 24-year-old has been something of a flop signing and not up to the standard that Celtic require, something fans are absolutely certain of.
Lennon has already moved to strengthen the position with the signing of Christopher Jullien.
With Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic also available, Hendry is well down the pecking order as it is.
The Hoops boss also revealed earlier this week he is looking to further strengthen the centre-back area having been forced to utilise midfielder Nir Bitton in defence against FK Sarajevo, again snubbing Hendry.
If Lennon gets his wish, there will be four defenders ahead of the former Dundee man and potentially Bitton too.
There’s just no room for Hendry anymore and with Lennon looking to trim the squad further, he could be next out the door.