Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Lennon: I just love Ibrox heat
NEIL LENNON has admitted he finds some of the stick he gets at Ibrox funny – but is convinced Hibs can have the last laugh against Rangers today.
The Easter Road boss is relishing a return to face his old foes for the first time since he was boss at Celtic in March 2012.
Lennon suffered abuse as a player and manager with the Hoops but he insisted the Govan ground has been a happy hunting ground over the years.
The Hibs gaffer has warned Gers his men won’t be running scared this afternoon and he’s determined to be the boss who ends up smiling.
Lennon said: “Of course we’re going there with optimism. Absolutely. We have a great chance.
“I think we’ll be fine. We’re not just going there to make up the numbers.
“We want Hibs to be a force, not just this season but in years to come.
“This won’t be a barometer for the season because it’s only the second league game of the campaign.
“It’s a difficult fixture, a difficult venue to visit at any time.
“But we’re playing well and we’ve nothing to fear.”
Lennon admitted he’s missed going to Ibrox despite being his previous troubles round Govan.
He said: “Who wouldn’t? You miss the drama and the intensity and the theatre of it. That’s what it really is, it is theatre.
Rangers skipper Lee Wallace is a doubt for the visit of Hibs. The left-back picked up a thigh complaint minutes before the Betfred Cup win over Dunfermline.