Neil Lennon has revealed he is yet to speak with new Celtic chief executive Dominic McKay after only learning he is to take over from the retiring Peter Lawwell this morning.

Lawwell announced his retirement via the club website this morning with the news that McKay would be taking over at the end of the season following his departure from Scottish Rugby Union.

The Hoops boss insists McKay has big shoes to fill following Lawwell's 17 years of success including 29 trophies, but Lennon admits he is yet to have a conversation with the new CEO. "I haven't had dialogue with him," Lennon said.

"I only became aware of it this morning so maybe in time over the next few months I will get to meet him or get to talk to him. I think it is an exciting new chapter for him, a great challenge for him and he will get huge amounts of support from people at the club.''

On Lawwell, Lennon said: "He's been brilliant to work for. We have had our fall-outs over the piece but he has had a huge positive influence on my career and many others. The success the club has had during his reign has been absolutely phenomenal.

"I am sad to see him go but 17 years is a huge amount of time for a job as pressurised as that. You need a thick skin to do my job or Peter's job and he has certainly developed that over the years. He is a brilliant negotiator, very shrewd and forward thinking CEO.

"He has been one of the best in British football. He will be a big miss, no question of that.''