FORMER Celtic manager John Barnes says that the Parkhead board were right to stick by Neil Lennon - telling disgruntled supporters there's 'no point' in protesting the decision as the Northern Irishman isn't going anywhere.

The Hoops boss has faced some heavy criticism in recent months after a dreadful run of form that has seen the Premiership champions win just two of their last 12 matches in all competitions.

Barnes, however, says that Peter Lawwell and Co. made the correct decision by standing by their man - adding that fans will have to get used to the idea.

"Celtic backing Neil Lennon was the right thing for them to do," he said.

Glasgow Times:

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"With the club backing the manager, the fans need to realise that there is no point in being angry or miserable that he is still at the club because he isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

"It was a good thing that the club openly backed him because if they stayed quiet, then the fans would still be complaining.

"Whereas now, there is no point complaining as the club have publicly said that they are happy with him being the manager."

Barnes continued: "It’s hard to say how long Celtic will allow Neil Lennon to continue as manager as it all comes down to the results.

"If they win all of their games in the lead up to the next Old Firm match in January, then everyone will be a bit happier, but if they lose two or three games within that time, then that might change.

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Mohamed Elyounoussi: "Mr Celtic" Neil Lennon is a tough guy - he can turn things around and deliver 10-In-A-Row

"If Celtic win their two games in hand, then the gap becomes smaller to seven points which puts the pressure back on Rangers.

"Both clubs still need to play each other a few more times which might go in the favour of Celtic, then the gap becomes smaller.

"Rangers are currently favourites and I wouldn’t expect them to lose it from here, but you never know in football. It’s a strange game."

Barnes added that he doesn't believe those who have said they wouldn't be interested in the job should the board decide to replace Lennon, insisting that he expects the title race to go down to the wire.

He said: "People saying that they don’t want the Celtic manager job is ridiculous.

"The club has won the Scottish Premiership title nine years in a row. Rangers aren’t necessarily better than them, they are just going through a better phase this season.

"The club won the league title last season so we know they have good players so obviously the club is in a good place, but what’s now happening is there are a few minor things that aren’t going well for Celtic.

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Neil Lennon on why 'anxious' Celtic players see a psychologist twice a month

"But we are still early in the season and if you think about it, they have a better squad than Rangers so they will improve.

"It’s just a question of putting some results together and performing better. I’ve no doubt that they’ll be hot on Rangers’ tails come the closing of the season."

John Barnes was speaking to BonusCodeBets.