JOHAN MJALLBY is backing Neil Lennon to shun big-money offers to quit Celtic – because the dream of winning a Treble means more to him.

Speculation is growing that the Hoops boss could be persuaded to seek a new challenge down south.

But assistant Mjallby is adamant Lennon will stay. And the driving force is the chance for him to join Jock Stein and Martin O'Neill as the only Celtic bosses to have landed a Treble in the club's 125-year history.

Mjallby said: "We haven't won the Treble and we could go further in Europe. The Treble is a temptation, but it's a very hard thing to do. Even without Rangers being here, it's not like you can just walk out and win games and win trophies.

"We have a very good record at going a long way in the cup competitions – but not ALL the way.

"We had a chance this year, obviously until we lost to St Mirren in the Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final.

"Before every season you dream about winning the Treble, but it's not easy."

The Swede is aware of the rumours surrounding Lennon, but would be "surprised" if the Parkhead boss was tempted to quit Celtic this summer.

And he reckons the man from Lurgan can still fulfil his footballing ambitions at Celtic.

"I would not be surprised if there is interest in him, but I would be surprised if he was not here next season. You need to remember, Celtic is a massive club.

"If we went to England we'd be among the top four due to our supporters and financial income.

"Here you have a chance to qualify for the Champions League each year, more of less, if you win the league.

"It's a question for Neil what he wants to do in the future and what he's looking for in his career, but I'm quite sure he's very happy here.

"He works for a club he loves where he has spent so many years."

Lennon, meanwhile, has been issued with a Notice of Complaint from the SFA for allegedly breaching a previous suspension by entering the playing zone within 15 minutes of the end of last Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Motherwell.

If found guilty, the Hoops boss could be forced to sit in the stand for the Scottish Cup final showdown with Hibs on May 25 as well as the unfurling of the championship flag on the opening day of next season.