The Irishman ended his tenure as interim boss with eight successive Clydesdale Bank Premier League wins at the end of the season to strengthen his case to become successor to Tony Mowbray.

However, the Parkhead board have not yet asked the former Celtic captain to take over on a permanent basis.

Brown, at Celtic Park yesterday for the launch of next season's new home kit, revealed the Celtic players are "hoping" Lennon gets the job but would like a decision made one way or the other before pre-season starts on July 1.

Brown said: "I think we all hope he gets the job because of what he has done in the last eight games.

"It's the best form we've hit in two years so he deserves a chance.

"He has done everything he possibly can and it shows that we have fighting spirit left in us.

"I'm sure the club will have it sorted out by July 1 so we can go flying into pre-season.

"It is up to the club but it would help us, we would know where we stood.

"But we are quite relaxed and quite open about it and whatever the board decides we will be happy."

The uncertainty surrounding the next Celtic manager has not stopped transfer activity at the Parkhead club and Sol Campbell is reportedly considering an offer to move to Glasgow.

The 35-year-old defender joined Arsenal for a second time on a short-term deal in January and will mull over the offer of a one-year contract from the London club.

Brown, though, admits he would welcome such a big name signing.

He said: "I think it's important to get a manager in place before we sign anyone but I'm sure there will be a few big names coming in as well.

"His (Campbell's) experience would really help, he has played in a Champions League final and won Premier Leagues with Arsenal so it would help us at the back.

"We can attract big people, we are a big club so the bigger the better for us."

Celtic ended the season trophyless but Brown is anticipating a better 2010/11 campaign.

He said: "We have to go out and play our own game and hopefully we can have a better season this year than we did last year.

"I think by the end of the season the team spirit was better.

"We brought in a lot of players and it was hard for us when they first came in but we have started to gel together.

"We don't want to be known as unlucky all the time, getting beat in finals and not making it to finals.

"We are here to win as many trophies as we possibly can and that's what we look forward to doing."