Neil Lennon salutes Henrik Larsson as Celtic boss talks up Barcelona transfer ‘direct line’

Delighted Neil Lennon reckons Henrik Larsson ’s appointment at Barcelona gives Celtic a direct line into the Nou Camp.

The Parkhead icon has landed a role in the coaching staff in Catalonia after being given a post by new boss Ronald Koeman

Lennon is delighted for his old team-mate and doesn’t hide the fact the tie-up could have benefits for Celtic.

Clubs need every possible edge in the transfer market these days and, when asked if having Larsson in place at the Spanish giants could help, he said: “Obviously I have got a direct line into Barcelona which might be very beneficial for us going forward.

“It is great to have contacts around the game and people you have either played with or worked with before at clubs. It is a great move for Henrik. It is an outstanding chapter for him in his career.

“I am delighted for Henrik. It is a great appointment for him. Koeman is an outstanding manager.

“Obviously Barcelona bringing him in speaks for itself. Henrik has history there. It is a brilliant step forward for him in terms of the coaching side of things. I am sure he will learn a lot.”

Meanwhile, Lennon is relishing facing Dundee United after their return to the top-flight and also locking horns with new Tangerines gaffer Micky Mellon.

He said: “Dundee United have made a pretty impressive start. They’ve not won at home, but they’ve had two very good away wins and there’s an energy about them. They’ll be a good addition to the division, no question. They’ve got a good stadium, a good playing surface and they try to play.

“Micky has come in and it seems to have been a seamless takeover. I played against him when I was at Crewe and he was at Blackpool on a number of occasions.

“Blackpool, one season, won promotion when big Sam Allardyce was the manager. He’s had a very good career in management.

“He did a great job at Fleetwood, Shrewsbury and Tranmere. Dundee United are a big club with a great history. Tannadice is a great stadium and we’re very much looking forward to the freshness. Different opposition and a different style of play.”