Irish Sunday Mirror

HAGI XMAS WE’RE READY FOR IBROX VOWS BHOYS BOSS NEIL

Romanian’s winner gives Gerrard a festive glow as he admits title No.55 for Gers is only thing on his mind

- Hamilton Academical­s BY SCOTT MCDERMOTT Celtic

NEIL LENNON believes Celtic strike duo Odsonne Edoaurd and Leigh Griffiths are firing again – and says his side can win next week’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox.

The Hoops gaffer was delighted with victory over Hamilton Accies, which kept them 16 points behind Rangers in the Premiershi­p with three games in hand.

Celtic face Dundee United in midweek before the New Year derby in Govan - and Lennon feels they’re beginning to motor again.

Striker Edouard scored a penalty he won four minutes after the restart (above) before Leigh Griffiths (right) and David Turnbull added further goals to make it five wins in a row, albeit the William Hill Scottish Cup final win over Hearts was on penalties. Lennon said: “I wouldn’t make prediction­s about the game at Ibrox, it’s too early for that. But are they capable of going there and winning? Yeah, they’ve proved in the past they can do it. “We’ve got Dundee United first on Wednesday so it’s one step at a time. But we’re moving forward in the right direction. I want us to play more like that and keep creating chances. There was more flamboyanc­e about us. “All we can do is keep putting pressure on. We have to get our own house in order before thinking about other teams. We’re starting to do that. “I thought we were outstandin­g. We were brilliant in the first half and should have been two or three up. “It’s the best we’ve played f for a while and the body la language of the players was ex excellent. It’s a great three poin points for us. I thought Odsonne looked great, the best he’s looked for a while. He looked free and his quality was there for everyone to see. The whole team functioned well, I couldn’t fault any of them.

“I’m pleased with the partnershi­p of Odsonne and Leigh, they’ve come together again at a good time. They showed great link up play for Leigh’s first chance in the game, which the keeper saved - then he was unlucky with a header off the post.

“But we’re getting the ball into the right areas for them now and we’re looking more potent. There’s a good fluency about our passing and movement again.

“There’s a lot to be encouraged about but there’s still work to do. I’m not saying we’ve turned a corner, there’s a long way to go.

“We’ve got to do the right things a lot more of the time – but we’re starting to do it better.

“That comes from applicatio­n, attitude and confidence. There’s a lot more zest and fluency to the way we’re playing now. The applicatio­n and quality was great.”

 ??  ?? HIB, HIB HOORAY Ianis Hagi races off to celebrate his winning goal at stormy Ibrox yesterday
HIB, HIB HOORAY Ianis Hagi races off to celebrate his winning goal at stormy Ibrox yesterday

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