Celtic have confirmed that Neil Lennon has left the club.

The manager departs after a string of poor results leaves the Hoops 18 points behind Rangers in the Premiership title race, with Steven Gerrard's men needing just seven points to finish the job.

Lennon has been under serious pressure for a number of weeks but his side's latest 1-0 defeat to Ross County last weekend was the final straw for the club hierarchy who made the decision.

John Kennedy will take the squad on an interim basis.

A statement on Celtic's website said: "Celtic Football Club today announced that Neil Lennon has resigned from his position as football manager with immediate effect.

"Neil has served the club with distinction as both player and manager, delivering numerous successes, most recently completing the Domestic Treble in December. In his second period as Celtic manager, he has achieved five trophy successes, to add to his three League titles and two Scottish Cup victories in his first period as manager."

It comes after chif executive Peter Lawwell and chairman Ian Bankier came out in support of their manager as recently as earlier this month. They vowed not to make any 'hasty decisions' but ultimately decided to relieve Lennon of his duties after his latest loss.

Celts have dropped points in their 10 in a row push on a number of occasions this season, having drawn seven games and lost four matches including the two Old Firm derbies so far.

READ MORE: Read in full: Neil Lennon walks away from repeated rebuild Celtic questions in prickly BBC interview

Fans have called for the manager's head this term and have staged protests and hung banners outside Parkhead and Lennoxtown demanding change.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke is current favourite to replace Lennon at Celtic while Rafa Benitez, Eddie Howe and Frank Lampard have all been linked with the post.