Celtic need an experienced manager to succeed Tony Mowbray and add a bit of steel to the club, according to former captain Tom Boyd.“I think they have to get someone with experience and who’s been over the course before,” Boyd told BBC Scotland.
Mowbray was sacked on Wednesday after just nine months of a turbulent reign.
Caretaker boss Neil Lennon will lead the club and Boyd said he believes the board will be patient in their search for Mowbray’s successor.
Mowbray was sacked following the 4-0 midweek drubbing by St Mirren, which left Celtic trailing league leaders Rangers by 10 points, having played two games more than their Old Firm rivals.
Boyd, who played for Celtic from 1992 until 2003, said: "Obviously Tony had been with Hibs and West Brom, but I don’t think he came up to scratch with the tactics of Scottish football.
"So I think somebody with a lot of experience is needed to take Celtic forward. Names are being thrown about everywhere.
"I’m not sure if Mark Hughes is experienced enough at this kind of level. I know he’s been down in England in the Premier League and did well with Blackburn.
“He did okay with Man City but he had plenty of money to spend there. I certainly don’t think he’d get that kind of money if he came up here.”
Boyd believes the new manager may have to ditch plans for free-flowing football in favour of winning games in Scotland’s top flight.
"I was watching most of the football under Gordon Strachan and certainly there were a few who didn’t want him there and thought the football wasn’t that great.
"But, having not won the league for two years now, I think they want to get back to winning football.
"Unfortunately, that could mean having to sacrifice some of their beliefs with managers looking to play open, expansive football.
“I’m certainly looking forward to seeing who is going to come in and I don’t think the board will be in too much of a rush.”
Boyd believes giving Lennon the job on a permanent basis would not represent a risk.
"He doesn’t have any experience but I’m sure they’ll monitor what he does between now and the end of the season.
"We have a Scottish Cup semi-final against Ross County and the remaining SPL games. If there was a dramatic turnaround in performances and victories, then I’m sure he would be considered.
“He doesn’t fit the bill in terms of experience but he’s in possession of the manager’s job and can only do what he can.”
Meanwhile, Johan Mjallby has vowed to restore passion to Celtic during his time as Lennon’s assistant.
“The first thing we must do is get back the winning mentality we had when I was a Celtic player,” he said.
"The players need to know they have to wear that Celtic jersey with pride. They need to show the fans they are up to the job.
“It’s been a bad spell for the club recently and maybe they need their confidence back.”
MY SPORT: DEBATE
Who do Celtic fans want to succeed Tony Mowbray
Norwich City manager Paul Lambert, who has been linked with a return to his former club, said he hoped Lennon would be successful.
“I hope Lenny goes in and does great, I really do,” said the former Scotland midfielder.
“He’s a big friend and a terrific football person and hopefully he’ll go in and do well and have some sort of success from now until the end of the season.”
On being linked with Celtic, Lambert added: "I can’t stop people from saying things but I love it here.
"It’s been great and, I said before, Celtic are a terrific football club and I had eight great years there.
“But I’m happy here, that’s for sure. I never really buy into the bookmakers’ favourite; it doesn’t wash with me. I just do my job.”
Celtic will hold a media conference at 1300 GMT on Friday, where Lennon will be asked about his role.