Lenny will square go down in history as Hibs icon SAYS

BATTLE OF EASTER ROAD

Ivan Sproule had his fair share of run-ins with Neil Lennon – but insists Lenny’s passion is what the Scottish game needs.

The former Hibs favourite crossed swords with Lennon when the Hibs boss was a player and gaffer at Celtic.

Angry words and insults were exchanged and no love was lost between the pair.

Sproule isn’t surprised that his old sparring partner hasn’t changed a bit now he’s gaffer at Hibs.

Lennon showed he still has a fire burning inside him when he had a bust-up with Morton boss Jim Duffy last week.

The managers had to be held back from each other near the end of the midweek scoreless draw.

Lennon lost it when Morton sub Kudus Oyenuga went in late on Jordon Forster and claimed veteran Duffy challenged him to a “square go”.

Sproule admits Lennon at times can overstep the mark but says his passion just reflects his will to win.

Wing king Ivan, who had two spells at Easter Road, said: “I’m a Hibs fan through and through so I want to see them do well.

“I’m glad Lennon is in charge because his passion for the game filters through to the players.

“All day long I want to see passion from my manager.

“On Wednesday night there was a lot riding on the match at Easter Road and Lennon is under pressure, trying to get Hibs back into the Premiership.

“He reacted because he felt that his players were being hard done by.

“He’s only human. You want to fight for your club, you want to succeed and sometimes you overstep the mark.

“I’ve been a culprit of that myself in Scottish football. I got sent off in some big games for doing stupid things.

“That’s a flaw in someone but it also shows they care. And believe me, Lenny cares.

“He gets a lot of criticism but Neil is great for Scottish football and he is also good for Hibs.

“Yes, he has overstepped