Scott Brown hopes Celtic's board heeds player wishes by appointing Neil Lennon as manager - and that Sol Campbell becomes one of his signings.

"I hope he gets the job and so do the other players, but the decision has nothing do with us - it's up to the board," said the Celtic captain.

Arsenal defender Campbell has been quoted saying he has held talks with caretaker manager Lennon.

"Yes, his experience would really help," Brown said of the Englishman.

"He has played in the Champions League final and won Premier Leagues with Arsenal, so it would help us at the back.

"We can attract big people, we are a big club, so the bigger the better for us.

It's the best form we've hit in two years, so Neil Lennon deserves a chance Celtic midfielder Scott Brown

"I think it's important to get a manager in place before we sign anyone, but I'm sure there will be a few big names coming in as well."

Campbell has been offered a new one-year contract by Arsenal, but the 35-year-old has been quoted as saying he has held talks with Lennon and is considering the option of moving to Glasgow.

Celtic have said nothing publicly about that possibility but on Tuesday were quick to rubbish a report saying that they were considering a move for Rangers striker Kris Boyd.

Brown knew nothing of such an approach but pointed out that players had previously played for both sides of the Old Firm, including Boyd's present strike partner.

"Kenny Miller has done it, so you never know what could happen," said the midfielder, who was launching Celtic's first-team strip for the coming season.

"He has been a great player and, wherever you go, you try to give 100 per cent."

Champions Rangers announced on Tuesday that Walter Smith would remain manager for another season, but Brown was more concerned about his own club's plans - and the need to have a manager in place ahead of pre-season training.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Celtic's new strip

Former reserve team manager Lennon led Celtic to eight straight league victories after the sacking of Tony Mowbray.

They slipped up in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, losing to First Division side Ross County, but Brown said: "It's the best form we've hit in two years, so he deserves a chance.

"He has done everything he possibly can and it shows that we have fighting spirit left in us.

"I'm sure the club will have it sorted out by 1 July so the club can go flying into pre-season.

"It's up to the club, but it would help us. We would know where we stood.

"But we are quite relaxed and quite open about it and, whatever the board decides, we will be happy."

Celtic's strip features for the first time new sponsor Tennent's, the former backer of the Scottish national team that is taking over from drinks rival Carling in having its name displayed on the shirts of the Parkhead club and Glasgow rivals Rangers.

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