Celtic captain Scott Brown believes that Neil Lennon turned him into a man when the former 47-year-old was Parkhead manager.

Lennon left Hibs last week in bizarre circumstances after being originally suspended by the Easter Road side before a pay-off was agreed – and a statement absolving Lennon of any wrongdoing swiftly followed.

Whatever the details of what went on at Hibs, Brown believes that his old club are worse off for the decision to part ways with Lennon.

"He probably turned me into a man more than anything," said Brown.

READ MORE: Scott Brown willing to take blame for Ibrox defeat

"There was a time when he had to be tough – when you are not playing are and are at Ibrox, Tynecastle or Easter Road or the like.

"There was a time when he’d put his arm around you. So you got the best of both worlds.

"I’m sad to see him go. He was fantastic for Hibs.

"He did brilliant in the first season and for me, losing John McGinn, Dylan McGeouch, Efe Ambrose, probably the three biggest names you could lose at a club … he probably didn't get the money to replace them.

"It’s always hard at any football club and he probably didn’t get the money or the time to replace them.

READ MORE: Celtic captain Scott Brown: "People kept telling me my legs had fallen off - what? for the second time?"

"I don’t know what’s happened there but I just wish him all the best.

"He’s a fantastic manager, he’ll get another job as he’s a great people person as well.

"You never know, he might go back south. When people see his style and the way they played last season, people might take a chance on them.

"He’s done well and he did brilliantly for us at Celtic. So why not take a chance on someone who’s proven?"

Read more of today's top sport stories.