Celtic hero Neil Lennon has returned home from Romania due to a family emergency.

Rapid Bucharest confirmed the manager has headed back to Ireland in order to be with his mother who is in a "very serious condition".

Lennon's mother is said to have suffered a second heart attack with the next 48 hours said to be "critical".

The former Celtic and Hibs boss was appointed Rapid boss in May with the club supporting Lennon as he travels home for the family matter.

Lennon's assistant Iain Brunskill will temporarily take charge at Rapid while Lennon is absent.

Read more: 

A statement on the club's Facebook page confirmed: "Neil Lennon had to return to Ireland today due to a family emergency.

His mother is in a very serious condition, after a period of several weeks in the hospital. She suffered her second heart attack last night, and the next 48 hours are going to be critical.

"The family called Neil home so they could get through this difficult time together.

"The health of our loved ones is always important, that's why we support our coach and wait for him to return with good news, so that he can be present on the bench at Monday's game.

"Training of the team continues and Iain Brunskill will be present tomorrow at the Sepsi pre-match press conference.

"We stay #together, especially in difficult times, and keep the trust."