Collins has been out of management since leaving Charleroi last summer

Former Celtic midfielder John Collins does not believe he is in the running for the manager's job there.

Collins, who has managed Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League, is available following a season with Belgian club Charleroi.

"There's a big job in Glasgow, but I would imagine they would be going for somebody a bit more experienced than myself," Collins told the BBC.

"But it is a big job for somebody, a big challenge."

Celtic sacked Tony Mowbray, another former Hibs manager, in March after they fell a distance behind Glasgow rivals Rangers in the title race.

Reserve team manager Neil Lennon was appointed caretaker until the end of the season, but former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has been among the bookmakers' favourites to take charge after that.

"I think they have got to be realistic now," Collins told Radio 5 live. "I don't think they are going to pull anybody away from the Premiership.

Are the big boys going to want to go to Glasgow? I don't think so John Collins

"There has been talk of Mark Hughes, who I think would be a good choice - I think a terrific manager.

"But I am sure Mark Hughes would prefer to stay in the English Premiership.

"Do they go for a foreign manager? It is always an option, but it is a tough one: are the big boys going to want to go to Glasgow? I don't think so."

It is believed that Lennon had been told he would retain the job long-term if Celtic's performances and results improved under his stewardship.

However, Celtic suffered a surprise Scottish Cup exit at the hands of First Division side Ross County in the semi-finals.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Collins' comments

"That was the one that was a poor defeat and a poor performance, but he has had four league victories on the bounce, so you never know," suggested Collins.

"If he goes from now until the end of the season winning every game, he might have a chance."

Asked when he expected to return to management, Collins hinted that there had been some interest in his services.

"Soon hopefully, but at this moment in time, nothing definite," added the 42-year-old who left Charleroi last summer.

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