Neil Lennon reckons John McGlynn should be “in the conversation” to become the next Celtic manager as the Dunfermline Athletic boss aims to get the better of his Falkirk counterpart in Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final.

As they prepare to meet at Hampden, Lennon, who had two spells in charge at Celtic, described McGlynn as “one of the best coaches in the game here”.

McGlynn, 64, has steered Falkirk to a top-six finish in the Scottish Premiership, having won successive promotions to the top flight.

The former Hearts, Raith Rovers and Livingston manager worked as a first-team scout and opposition analyst at Celtic from January 2015 until September 2018.

Celtic have had three different managers in this campaign, with Martin O’Neill’s second interim period running until the end of the season.

“He’s got longevity,” said Lennon of McGlynn. “I think he should be in the conversation for the next Celtic manager as well.

“Whether that would appeal to John I don’t know and I don’t want to throw him under the bus. I apologise to the Falkirk people as well, but that’s how I rate John.

“I don’t think I’ve ever come up against him in a competitive game. He’s in the way on Saturday so we’ll just have to go at it as best we can.

“I’ve got such admiration and respect for what he’s achieved, not just at Falkirk but throughout his career.

“He’s learned, he’s worked hard and he’s reaping the rewards of it. Fair play. He’s a sponge and I know he’s very thorough in his detailed approach.”

Lennon, 54, won the Scottish Cup four times as a player with Celtic and did the same as manager.

He is aiming for a third Premiership scalp in this season’s competition, with Dunfermline having already eliminated Hibernian and Aberdeen.

Celtic take on St Mirren in the other semi-final.