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Larsson rules himself out of managing Celtic

HENRIK LARSSON has apparently ruled himself out of the running to become the next Celtic manager after his current club said he was staying put.

Falkenbergs sporting director Hakan Nilsson said he’d spoken to the Swede, who said he wasn’t leaving.

“He told me a club wants to speak to him but he will stay with Falkenbergs this season and in Sweden the season lasts until November,” said Nilsson.

“I know Henrik as a man and when he says something he stands by his word so I am not worried about it.”

The search for a new boss at Parkhead is well under way Neil Lennon quit on Thursday, leaving behing three Scottish titles in his four years in the dugout hotseat.

His former team mate Larsson immediately became one of the front runners for the post in a field of constantly changing favourites which includes names such as Owen Coyle, David Moyes, Malky Mackay, Jackie McNamara, Roy Keane, Steve Clarke and Paul Lambert.

Lennon will assist Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell in choosing his replacement and he backed Larsson to be successful if he was to be his replacement.

Many thought Lennon would head due south after leaving the Glasgow club but the ex-Celtic skipper said he had no immediate plans.

“It’s a decision I have come to and it might not be in the short term, it might be a long-term thing,” he said.

“It’s an ambition (to work in England) but I need some time to digest it all. Leaving Celtic is a huge wrench.

“I will probably never leave it in my mind but physically I will do.

“I just need time to think things over. I won't rush anything. I don't know if opportunities will come up.”

Lawwell insisted Celtic have not yet approached anyone and will exercise due diligence in the process.

Meanwhile, the Hoops have confirmed they will play a pre-season friendly against St Pauli in Hamburg on July 26.

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