Celtic boss Neil Lennon couldn't hide his frustration over Islam Feruz's defection to Chelsea yesterday.

He's now resigned to his departure, with the club likely to receive a modest £350,000 development fee. He has bigger issues to deal with right now, like Thursday's Europa League tie against Udinese. But this has touched a nerve.

He said: "I don't know the latest situation. I know Chelsea have made an enquiry, although I don't know if they have offered any money yet.

"But suffice to say he won't be a Celtic player.

"His head's been turned, obviously. We've done all we can to keep him here. I haven't seen him since the start of pre-season. The club has put a lot in for him. We took him out of what you might describe as a rough estate and put his family in a nice flat.

"We looked after him in that respect. We did all we could to make his life here as easy as possible. We had him up training here with the first team the last few months of the season.

"We told him he would be part of the development team this season in terms of being up here every day and training with the younger lads who are pushing for a first-team squad place. And also training with the first team on occasion too.

"We've had meetings - Peter Lawwell, myself - with his representatives, I use that term very loosely. But there was no sort of going back. Islam became different in his demeanour and personality. We've spoken to him. We've tried everything. Myself, Peter, Chris McCart. We've had meetings in the boardroom with his family and representatives.

"I was waiting on an offer coming back from the representatives - but it never materialised. I think it's been really badly handled. He's been badly advised. I think he would've had far more of an opportunity to progress here.

"James Forrest is a perfect example. He's a similar type of player - dynamic, exciting, although obviously he's younger than James.

"He's a very strong boy for his age. But the next two or three years are very important in terms of his development through full-time football.

"If he thinks he's got a better chance with Chelsea, or his representatives think that, then fine."