Celtic manager Neil Lennon is backing Nicky Hammond to become a permanent part of the Scottish club’s recruitment team.

The former Reading and West Brom technical director joined the Hoops to become the head of recruitment in the summer but hasn’t formally replaced Lee Congerton as Director of Football.

Asked about Hammond staying for the long term as Congerton’s successor, Lennon said he thinks it would be a good idea:

“Nicky is working away in the background on writing up a report and away talking to all the other scouts we have on the ground so we will have a good look at that when it’s finalised. I certainly think that he would be a very good candidate, put it that way.”

After a chaotic start to the summer transfer window, Celtic managed to turn things around by transfer deadline day earlier this month, recruiting a number of players to strengthen the squad.

The likes of Mohamed Elyounoussi, Moritz Bauer and Greg Taylor all arrived late in the window, while Hammond also reportedly recommended a number of young English players for Celtic to sign.

Jeremie Frimpong, Lee O’Connor and Jonathan Afolabi have all been brought in to the club with the future in mind.