Former Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has admitted that he was surprised that Neil Lennon decided to leave his role as Celtic manager on Thursday afternoon.

As the search begins for the Northern Irishman's replacement, his former teammate Vennegoor said that Lennon was capable of succeeding in any league.

"He took me under his wing in my first year at Celtic," he told Sky Sports News. "Sometimes you can see with a player they have a manager in them and you could see that with Neil. Some players just have it. His leaving was a bit of a surprise. You could see the love for the club he had.

"He's leaving for a different challenge but I don't think that love has gone. It leaves a big spot here for a new manager and it's going to be a big task for someone who comes in.

"He is a top manager and has been successful all over Europe. If they can play in the way he wants them to, they will have great success. It will be a great adventure for him."

Vennegoor played for Celtic between 2006 and 2009.