The Irishman's six-and-a-half years at Celtic Park as a player before he left for Nottingham Forest in 2007 was characterised by a Hoops squad packed with experienced, big-money imports.

However, when he returned to the backroom staff at Parkhead at the beginning of April after a spell at Wycombe Wanderers, Lennon discovered that the SPL champions now have a core of Scots at the club, including Scotland internationals such as skipper Stephen McManus, Gary Caldwell, Paul Hartley, Scott Brown and Barry Robson.

The former Hoops skipper insists there are more Scottish players good enough to be added to the Parkhead squad.

He said: "I'm sure there are and I'm sure the manager has his eye on a few.

"I've been pleasantly surprised by the talent coming through in Scotland this year.

"The fact that clubs have had to bring their own players through has had a big impact. "You look at that Hibs team from three or four years ago and the talent was incredible.

"They are getting a lot of first-team games at a young age and that experience is standing them in good stead."