Scotland manager and Saltcoats native Steve Clarke has distanced himself from the vacant Celtic job despite recent speculation suggesting that he was among the frontrunners.

The former Kilmarnock boss took part in a light-hearted Q&A with children from Team United yesterday and he was quizzed on the Parkhead links.

In response to a question on whether he would join Celtic after the Euros, Clarke said: “I’ll be going on a long holiday after the Euros.

The former St Andrew's Academy pupil said: “And I’m contracted with Scotland until 2022 when I’ll hopefully be taking us to the World Cup in Qatar.”

Clarke is listed alongside Rafa Benitez, Eddie Howe and Frank Lampard who have all been touted as potential replacements for Lennon. Though he is under contract with the SFA until summer 2022.

Another ex-St Andrew's pupil and Largs man, Dominic McKay, will take over as Chief Executive in the summer and there have been rumours of a complete overhaul in football operations at Parkhead when the season concludes.