Neil Lennon sympathy for Ally McCoist's Rangers wage dilemma

McCoist and Lennon are experiencing contrasting fortunes at their clubs

Celtic's Neil Lennon says he would consider working for nothing in order to safeguard a club he managed.

Reports had suggested that counterpart Ally McCoist was willing to make that sacrifice until the end of the season with Rangers in administration.

"I have bills to pay and kids to feed," said the Celtic manager.

"Would I do it? It would depend on the period of time that I would have to do it for and if I could get by then I would, yes."

Lennon was speaking as he picked up the Clydesdale Bank Premier League manager of the month award for February, during which Rangers were docked 10 points and Celtic moved 20 points clear of the ailing Scottish champions.

"But I hope I never have to come into that scenario," said Lennon of McCoist predicament.

"I am not aware that has been put to Ally, but he obviously finds himself in a difficult place at the minute.

"I don't like the idea of administrators coming in and running football clubs.

"But needs must I suppose the way things have been handled and it should be a lesson to us all that even the biggest of clubs can suffer these financial penalties."

Meanwhile, Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has denied media reports that his club had agreed to pay Rangers for tickets in advance of the upcoming Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

In an open letter to the Daily Record published on Celtic's website, Lawwell said: "There was no agreement for Celtic to pay in advance for these match tickets. Therefore, the accusation that Celtic 'reneged' on an agreement is wrong.

"The actions of Celtic Football Club have not threatened jobs at Rangers. Any suggestion to the contrary is also wrong.

"There is no 'bust-up'. Indeed, we are pleased that yesterday (Wednesday) we received our allocation of tickets for the match from the administrators of Rangers Football Club.

"We will sell these in the normal manner and will abide by the rules of the Scottish Premier League.

"While we have no desire to become involved in the business of any other football club, we felt it very important that we set the record straight and in doing so protect the reputation of Celtic Football Club."