JOHN HUGHES has left his role as Ross County boss after steering them away from relegation this season.

The former Celtic defender was expected to stay on with the Staggies after doing such a great job with them since coming in through the season.

The news tonight has spooked a lot of Celtic fans and some have joked he is coming to be the next Hoops boss.

Celtic are still to name Neil Lennon’s successor three months after the Irishman left the building. Eddie Howe is the man heavily tipped to take over but could there be a place in a new Celtic set-up for Hughes?

Hughes commented on his departure to the Ross County Website:  “I would like to thank the players, staff and supporters. I have enjoyed my time at Ross County. I was appointed with the objective of securing Premiership football and I am proud to have achieved this under the circumstances. I wish Roy MacGregor and Ross County every success for the future.”

If John Kennedy does leave the building and the club are looking for someone to help develop their young players, could John Hughes spearhead the new Colts side?

Going from managing a Premiership club to coaching Celtic reserves in the lowland league would seem like a step-down. But if there’s an opportunity for Celtic to bring Hughes into the club to help build for the future, I wouldn’t be against the idea. Just not as the first team manager.