Kennedy keen to learn more from "ideal" manager Rodgers

John Kennedy will delay becoming a head coach until he has learned more from Celtic's "ideal manager'' Brendan Rodgers.

The 33-year-old former Hoops defender was part of Ronny Deila's staff but was asked to stay on when Rodgers took over in the summer.

Kennedy, who is aware Hearts gave Ian Cathro the opportunity to leave Newcastle for the Tynecastle hot seat at the age of 30, said: "It is great for Hearts to show confidence in another young coach.''

However, ahead of Tuesday's home Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Hamilton, he revealed he is planning to prolong his education under Rodgers, who has guided Celtic to the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership with the Betfred Cup already in the trophy cabinet.

Kennedy said: "You always learn from everyone, when I have been on my travels, doing club visits, speaking with managers and working with different people.

"You take different things from different people but in terms of the rounded manager, the ideal manager, so far, from the ones I have come across, he is it.

"He has the full package. You get some managers who are very skilled in man management, you get some managers who tend to be more coaches - Brendan ticks all the boxes.

"I didn't know where I was going to be (in the summer) but Brendan gave me a great opportunity and I couldn't pass up the chance to work with a man of his calibre.

"It would have been easy for me to go out and rush into something but I just feel that having the opportunity to work with a top-class coach and manager will prepare me even better for when the times comes for me to go and make that step. When that is... we will see.

"I am in a tremendous place at the moment in terms of where I am working, working with a terrific manager and coaching team.

"That for me is really important, that I don't jump too quickly into something when I feel that I have a great opportunity to learn even more before I make that step.

"So that is the stage I am at. I am very happy here.'' Celtic, who have nine games to negotiate in December, could go 11 points clear of Rangers at the top of the table with an expected victory over Accies, who lost 8-1 at Parkhead in January.

Skipper Scott Brown insists his colleagues must make sure complacency does not become a factor.

"It is for everyone (to avoid),'' said the midfielder.

"Because we have been playing so well recently you can just easily fall into that.

"We don't want to do that, we want to keep improving.

"The gaffer is huge on that, improving and learning and taking it to a different level and we have shown that the way we have been doing it in training and games.

"This run of games is going to be hard but we need to maintain that form.''