John Collins believes Celtic would be taking a risk if they were to appoint a director above manager-in-waiting Neil Lennon without the Irishman's approval.

"I always think it's good if there is somebody above you but it's important that Neil makes that decision," said the former Celtic midfielder.

"He has to pick the people he is working with. He has to trust them and they have got to support each other.

"If it's forced upon him then there could be a conflict."

Lennon is the man Celtic want in the dugout for the next campaign after the 38-year-old's interim period in charge at the tail end of last season.

A decision on the former Celtic skipper is expected soon but the club may insist that an experienced head is brought in to nurture the manager's development.

Asked if Lennon could take on such a major role at such an early stage in his managerial career, Collins said: "I don't see why not.

"He's young, he's inexperienced, but there is only one way to get experience and that is being thrown in at the deep end.

I'm not actively searching for a job. I'm quite happy with media work but if the right opportunity comes up, of course I'll look at it Former Hibernian manager John Collins

"Everybody at Celtic knows Neil, they know the character. If they give him the job I'm sure they will give him the backing, because it will take time to turn things around.

"He has the credentials to be a good manager."

Meanwhile, Collins says that now is not the time for him to return to management in Belgium.

Having taken charge at Charleroi in December 2008 and kept them in the top division that season, his name has been linked with the managerial vacancy at KV Kortrijk, another Jupiler League club.

"It's always nice to be asked, but my kids are at an important stage at school and I have no interest at the moment in heading back to Belgium," said Collins.

"I'm not actively searching for a job. I'm quite happy with media work but if the right opportunity comes up, of course I'll look at it."

Collins may have caught the eye of the boards at St Mirren and Kilmarnock, who have vacancies following the departures of managers Gus MacPherson and Jimmy Calderwood respectively, but neither appeals to the former Hibernian boss.

"Nice little football clubs, but not for me," said Collins.

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