Mark Hughes being linked with Celtic is a 'pleasant expectation'

The possibility of Mark Hughes becoming the new Celtic manager has grown after Mark Bowen – who assisted the Welshman when he was in charge at Manchester City, described him being linked with the Parkhead post as a "pleasant expectation". Hughes has been out of work since being sacked by City in December and is among the favourites to replace Tony Mowbray at Celtic after he lost his job there last week. Neil Lennon, Celtic's current caretaker manager, has signalled his hope to take the job full-time but looks likely to miss out to Hughes, particularly as it is believed that the club has already made contact with the former Manchester United striker's advisor, Kia Joorabchian. Speaking to the Daily Record, Bowen, who has worked alongside Hughes at Wales, Blackburn Rovers and City, said: "Mark has always said it has to be the right vehicle, the right situation. He's always been a manager or coach who wants to go in and build a place and make a difference long term. It's what we did with Wales and Blackburn and we were in the process of doing at Manchester City. "It seems to be the natural thing at the moment that Mark is linked with any vacant manager's position. His talents are widely recognised and since City we've been waiting for the right opportunity. In that sense, I suppose we were expecting this speculation and it's a pleasant expectation to see that he's been linked with the Celtic post. Mark's credentials are there for all to see."