Neil Lennon claimed Celtic’s crushing 4-1 Champions League qualifying defeat to Legia Warsaw in Poland was on the cards as he admitted lack of investment “may have been one of the reasons” he departed the club in the summer.

The Northern Irishman left Parkhead after winning three league titles and two Scottish Cups in four years, to be replaced by former Stromsgodset boss Ronny Deila, whose honeymoon period ended abruptly in the Warsaw.

With group stage aspirations up in the air, the spotlight has fallen on the strength of the Celtic squad.

It has been augmented so far by former Hearts and Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon, who was out of contract and is currently third choice, and Norwegian forward Jo Inge Berget, who was signed on a six-month loan deal from Cardiff City and who made his debut against Legia.

Speaking to STV, Lennon addressed the issue of investment at the Parkhead club in regard to his decision to leave.

“I had my own reasons for leaving and they were varying,” said the former Hoops captain.

“It was time for me to move on personally, the club understood that and I had great people in the background working with me.

“It wasn’t the sole reason but it may have been one of the reasons.”

He then discussed his successor’s plight following the heavy defeat by Legia.

“I wouldn’t say it was inevitable but I think it might have been on the cards,” he said.