JOHN KENNEDY says that it has been difficult for Neil Lennon to come to terms with his exit from Celtic, as he revealed a chat with his former boss on the morning of their win over Aberdeen.

Interim manager Kennedy got his reign off to a solid if unspectacular start with a 1-0 win over the Dons at Celtic Park. And after the game, he took the time to acknowledge Lennon, as he spoke of how much his exit this week has hurt him personally given his deep affection for the club.

“I’ve spoken to Neil a couple of times now,” he said. “He’s fine, he’s at home and it’s a difficult time for him and his family. The club means so much to him and he’s given so much to Celtic. He’s dealing with that and he sent his best regards to the staff and the players this morning.”

Meanwhile, Kennedy hopes that Celtic can keep a hold of Kristoffer Ajer this summer, with the defender outstanding again as he helped see off a spirited Aberdeen fightback in the second half at Celtic Park.

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While desperate to keep the Norwegian centre-back, Kennedy also says that it is important for the player to be committed to the club, admitting that both parties will have a decision to make should a suitable bid arrive as he enters the final year of his contract.

“Kris was terrific especially in the second half when Aberdeen put us under pressure,” Kennedy said. “I’ve known him since he came in here as a kid on trial. He’s a great character and a leader, in terms of how he works and conducts himself.

“With his profile of speed, size, technique and ability – there’s going to be interest in him. When that comes it’ll be the club and Kris himself making that decision. It’s important for the club going forward to keep players like him. But it’s a two way thing.

“We’ve got boys here like [Scott] Brown and [Callum] McGregor who know the club inside out, enjoy being here and have an affiliation with Celtic. They’re happy here and content, they want to maximise the time they have. But other players as we’ve seen in the past come in, do well for the club – but if it makes sense for the club from a business perspective and the player sees his future elsewhere, naturally things change.”