McGuinness looks forward to working with Lennon’s successor

Jim McGuinness is watching developments at Celtic with interest as he waits to learn the identity of the new manager.

The Donegal manager has expressed his disappointment at Neil Lennon's departure from the club, but says he is excited about working alongside the new manager.

McGuinness, who works as a performance consultant with the SPL giants, refused to speculate on possible names that might take over at Celtic Park.

“I’m following things like everybody else,” he said, “there is a lot of stirring and movement at the club.

“I’m sure whoever the candidate is. . . I mean the calibre of people they’re talking about being in the frame are all top quality managers and would bring a lot to the position.

“But I must say that Neil was excellent with myself. He was someone I had a good relationship with, chatting about Gaelic football on a Monday morning was great and it was good for me.

“For giving me the opportunity first and foremost, I have to be very thankful for that.”

Although he expects to stay with Celtic, irrespective of who the next manager is, McGuinness indicated the arrival of a new man may well lead to a change to his role.

‘HopeI will stay’

“I hope I will (stay), yes, but with change there always will be change, so we will see what it brings. Whatever person comes in now, hopefully I will do my best regardless.”

McGuinness was an interested spectator at Sunday's Ulster SFC quarter-final between Antrim and Fermanagh in Brewster Park and afterwards dismissed the suggestion his Donegal team will thrash the Saffrons in the semi-final.

“They (Antrim) have too many players who have been there and done that and they have too much big-game experience for that to happen.

“We will approach this game the same as every other game and prepare as best we can.

“If we get through to the Ulster final by one point, we’ll be really delighted.”

Antrim’s porous defence conceded 3-13 and McGuinness is bound to have notedf how suspect rookie Irish League goalkeeper Paddy Flood was under the high ball.

Liam Bradley’s side just held out despite a startling collapse in the last 10 minutes but McGuinness denied the Ulster semi-final on June 22nd will be a procession for Donegal.

Bottom line

“Antrim will be happy that they’re through, that’s the bottom line, and we’re happy that we’re through.

“Every game is different. We’ll be looking at this game surely but Antrim will be too in terms of positivity and things they can work on. It will be a case of preparing for it now.”

McGuinness was impressed with the partnership Brian Neeson and Kevin Niblock have forged up front for Antrim.

After the game Bradley described Niblock as “the best centre half forward in the country” while Neeson won every one-on-one battle, beating a succession of Fermanagh markers.

“The first half was as impressive as I’ve seen in a long time in terms of championship football from Antrim,” said McGuinness. “They were hugely impressive with their running game, their scores and their confidence, which was really, really high.

“They managed the game well for long periods and it was only in the last few minutes that it went away from them.

“There was unbelievable drama at the end but I think Antrim deserved it overall.

“Fermanagh could have stolen it but Antrim had more composure and they looked to have that wee bit more experience out on the pitch. The way they used the ball and everything was better.

“From our point of view they’re going to present a massive challenge and will ask a lot of questions of us.”