Lennon explains James snub

Lennon missed out on James

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Teams

• Bristol City
• Celtic

Players

• David James
• Lukasz Zaluska

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Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes David James' decision not to uproot his family meant he could not join the club.

The Parkhead outfit were keen this summer to bolster their goalkeeper options following Artur Boruc's sale to Fiorentina.

Lennon identified James as an excellent replacement, however, the veteran has now opted to sign a one-year deal with Bristol City.

The Bhoys boss is not bitter about missing out on the deal, stating James had genuine reasons not to move to Scotland.

"I think (James' snub) is more to do with the family reasons and being sort of closer to home so that's why he chose Bristol City," he said on Sky Sports News.

"He would have been ideal for us in terms of experience, presence and charisma. He ticks all the boxes there. It's one of those unfortunate things in football.

"It's a genuine personal reason. It's nothing to do with money. I spoke to his personal representatives today. We wished them good luck with that."

Strengthen

Lukasz Zaluska was in goal for Celtic's midweek drubbing to Braga and Lennon says the Polish keeper remains his number one.

"He's number one at the minute," he continued. "He needs to persuade me that he can be number one consistently.

"I'm looking for someone to come in and challenge Lukasz. We need two quality goalkeepers.

"We've lost one and I've got another and I need to bring one more in."