NEIL HAS PROVED DOUBTERS WRONG
CHAMPIONSHIP LATEST O’Neill’s delighted to see old pal do well in Leith
MICHAEL O’NEILL has backed Neil Lennon to complete his managerial renaissance and take Hibs back to the top tier.
The Northern Ireland gaffer has watched his old international team-mate return to the dugout at Easter Road this season with great interest after seeing the former Celtic supremo struggle when in charge of Bolton in his previous job.
During a 17-month spell in England, Lennon had to deal with financial difficulties off the pitch and cope with underperforming players on it before departing in March last year leaving some in the game to wonder if he could make a big impact as boss again. However, with Hibs O’Neill reckons the ex-Hoops midfielder has excelled and is
convinced his former club are on their way to the Premiership.
Hibs host another of O’Neill’s old sides Dundee United on Friday in a clash between first and third in the Championship table.
Victory for the Edinburgh outfit would see them move nine points clear of secondplaced Falkirk and 10 ahead of United.
It may not have the same prestige as winning Premiership titles and cups with Celtic or the glamour of leading the Hoops to victory over Barcelona in the Champions League but O’Neill insists promotion with Hibs will confirm what a top manager Lennon is.
O’Neill said: “I’m delighted at the way Lenny has come back into management and I’m also pleased for my old side Hibs in terms of where he is taking them.
“If they win their league game on Friday against Dundee United that will be a massive result for Hibs. They’ll really be in a strong position to finish top of the table.
“I’ve known Neil for a long time. I know what he is like and I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t push them on and get them promoted.
“He is showing what he is all about as a manager again. He had a successful period at Celtic but it was tough going for him at Bolton.
“He had to deal with a lot of things there and that’s why it is so good to see him proving his qualities at Hibs.
“He’s a very good manager and has done a good job at Hibs. It would be great for them to get back into the top flight and I know Lenny would relish that challenge.”
O’Neill feels it is a plus point in the Edinburgh outfit’s Championship season that they are in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup where they will meet Aberdeen.
He said: “The Cup run is a good thing for Hibs because it keeps the momentum going and it keeps all the players on their toes.
“Hibs are the holders of course and will fancy their chances of getting to the Final again.”
Should Hibs go up Lennon would join fellow Northern Ireland bosses Brendan Rodgers and Tommy Wright in the Premiership.
O’Neill believes there should be a further Ulsterman at the helm for Motherwell, citing his old assistant boss with Northern Ireland, Stephen Robinson, as the perfect person to fill the hotseat left vacant by Mark McGhee’s exit.
He said: “Robbo would be a good manager for Motherwell.
“He knows the club and the players well and knows Scottish football. He is a good coach and is well organised. I’d love to see him get the opportunity to try to keep them up.”
STEVE BEACOM