McAvennie blasts Celtic board for not standing up to Dermot Desmond

Desmond, the club's most prominent shareholder, publicly criticised former manager Brendan Rodgers after the latter resigned in October.

Rodgers was accused of creating a "toxic atmosphere" within the club and Desmond labelled his actions "divisive, misleading, and self-serving".

McAvennie expressed regret that nobody intervened.

He said: "The statement that he [Desmond] made against Brendan [Rodgers], somebody should have said, 'No, you're not doing that through Celtic, that should be through you, that shouldn't be through Celtic.'"

Speaking on Desmond's criticisms, he further voiced his concerns, "We've never been that kind of club and it was a crusade against him, wasn't it?"

McAvennie also believes Rodgers was justified in his reasoning for leaving Celtic.

"Brendan’s getting found out to be right," he said.

"He said: ‘If you want to progress then I’m your man.

"If you don’t then I’m not that kind of manager.’ And he’s being proven right, isn’t he?""

McAvennie was further perplexed when Desmond had his son, Ross, read aloud a statement during the Annual General Meeting last November.

Desmond Jr was not officially listed as an employee of the club.

McAvennie echoed his disapproval, saying: "I just think there are ways to do it.

"And then Dermot putting his boy in and calling them bullies, you just don't do that."

He warned of the discontent that would ensue if Ross Desmond were to be included on the board.

Despite his dedication to the club, the former forward did not hold back in criticising the team's performance this season.

Celtic currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership, three points behind leaders Hearts and two adrift of second-placed Rangers.

Since the beginning of January, manager Martin O'Neill has averaged 2.23 league points per game.

But in McAvennie's eyes, the team lacks excitement.

He said: "It doesn't make me feel good, that's for sure.

"Listen, it's an entertainment sport – I get bored shitless.

"Everything is about possession.

"We just don't create any chances at the moment.

"We're getting some chances, but it's mistakes [from other teams].

"You enjoy winning and I'll take it if we win the league.

"We're not winning the way that we should be winning."

McAvennie also shared concerns about the players' abilities.

He praised midfielder Reo Hatate but lamented his recent performances.

He urged the squad to step up and play to their potential.

His concerns extend to the club's recruitment.

He believes recent January arrivals have not made a significant impact and maintains that Celtic needs stronger players.

Despite all these issues, he's still supportive of O'Neill, declaring him a saint if Celtic wins the league this year.

The club still has a shot at a domestic double and will face St Mirren in the Scottish Cup last-four this weekend.

Ahead of the game, McAvennie expressed his scepticism over Celtic's current level of play by saying: "But would you be surprised if St Mirren won? Listen, teams don’t fear Celtic any more."