Lennon: Scott has behaved this term
HIBS boss Neil Lennon has jumped to the defence of Scott Brown — and insists his ‘performances and behaviour’ have been exemplary this season.
The Scotland skipper picked up his first red card of the season for a late lunge on Ross County’s Liam Boyce in Sunday’s controversial 2-2 draw.
Midfielder Brown was seething at the award of Boyce’s converted penalty moments earlier — after footage shows Alex Schalk conned ref Don Robertson with a blatant dive in the area.
With Celtic appealing the decision, Brown is set to face Rangers in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final.
Lennon’s Hibs meet Aberdeen in the last four tie and despite the weekend red card, the former Celtic manager insists he has been hugely impressed with Brown’s form under Brendan Rodgers.
Lennon said: “I think he was frustrated with the referee’s decision.
“To be fair it’s not like Scott, his performances and behaviour have been exemplary this season.
“He just reacted obviously and he’s been punished for it.
“I’m sure he’s grateful he’s able to play in the game on Sunday because Celtic will need him.”
Meanwhile, Lennon is bracing himself for a fight to hold on to John McGinn and Jason Cummings this summer.
Scotland midfielder McGinn and 21-goal striker Cummings played key roles in clinching the Championship title last weekend.
English League One side Peterborough had a £1.8million bid turned down for Cummings, 21, last summer and Lennon said: “We may have to fend off a few offers for some players because, at the end of the day, they are assets in the team.”