Bookies have slashed their odds on Preston boss Alex Neil becoming the next Celtic manager if Neil Lennon was to be relieved of his duties.

The price of the former Hamilton manager becoming the next man to take over at Parkhead has plummeted overnight with a number of punters taking the plunge.

Neil is now 12/1 after being at 33/1 and 20/1. He now is one of the front runners in the bookies market alongside Eddie Howe, Frank Lampard and Rafa Benitez.

Despite the recent speculation surrounding Lennon's position, the Hoops manager insists he will not walk away from his job.

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He said this week: “I’m very comfortable with what I’m doing and I have great support from the board, Peter Lawwell [the chief executive] and also my backroom team.

"So, no, I don’t feel isolated in any way, shape or form. I’m not happy with the way the season’s gone so far but I’m very comfortable with my role and pretty determined we get the best out of the rest of the season.”

Meanwhile, Lennon has told Vasilis Barkas that he needs to improve on several fronts after the Greece keeper was dropped for Celtic’s 2-0 win over Hamilton at Parkhead.

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The 26-year-old signed for a reported fee of £5million in the summer from AEK Athens but has failed to impress and made way for Scott Bain to play his first game since November.

Lennon said: “I don’t think Vasilis has settled. He’s not the presence at the minute that he can be

“I think he needs a bit of adaptation, more time. I don’t think he is up to the speed and physicality of the game.

“I made the decision to bring Scott back in, he has been knocking at the door. I think he has done OK, he was comfortable tonight.

“You will probably see the best of Vasilis as we go along, not just at this moment.

“I have spoken to him on a number of occasions over the course of the season. We’re hoping and expecting more from him as we go along.

“He understands, he is one of them who maybe suffered with the way life is at the minute.

“Sometimes you take it for granted that these guys are going to come in and adapt straight away, some take a bit longer and he is in that category.

“He has admitted on a few occasions that he probably hasn’t been at his best. He can improve his physicality, shot stopping and general influence around the box.

“He has good ability, I don’t think we have seen the best of him yet. Scott will continue in goal.”