Lennon (left) hopes Petrov will stay at Celtic Park

He said: "I can understand why he wants a new challenge but he has got to be pretty careful which club he goes to.

"I am not sure leaving for Fulham or Bolton is in Stan's best interests at this juncture in his career.

"Apart from the top four or five clubs the rest are a bit of a mish-mash really. Some of the games have bored the pants off me."

Petrov has had a transfer request rejected by the club but has voiced his desire to move down south next season.

And Lennon, who moved to Celtic from Leicester City six years ago, hopes the 26-year-old Bulgarian will have a change of heart and stay in Glasgow.

"I said a few years ago that I would not mind having another crack at it down there (England) but I am not so sure about that now," added the skipper.

"Hopefully we will be in the Champions League group stages next year and that is a massive carrot for me.

"It is prestigious with an unbelievable fan base and he will get more success with this club than going down south.

"I can understand Stan's thoughts because he has had seven years here and he is a fantastic footballer and a great servant.

"Personally I don't want to see him go and I will try to change his mind. But I have not had a chance to nail him yet."