Lennon hails Hoops as free-scorers grab five

Neil Lennon paid tribute to his free-scoring Celtic side after they thrashed St Mirren 5-0 at Parkhead on Saturday.

Leigh Griffiths grabbed his first hat-trick in four years to confirm his rehabilitation from a season disrupted by personal problems and injury.

His strike partner Odsonne Edouard drove in his 28th of the campaign while midfielder Callum Mcgregor took his tally for the season to 13 with a penalty.

The champions have scored 89 goals and conceded 19 after 30 Premiership games and next is a trip to Ibrox to face Old Firm rivals Rangers on Sunday.

Celtic scored 77 goals in winning their eighth successive title last season with a goal difference of 57 and Lennon, who took over from Brendan Rodgers just over a year ago, analysed the improved statistics to date.

He said: “Wow. I am delighted with that.

“Looking at it when I came in, I thought we could up the tempo and play forward a little bit more.”

Another boost for Lennon was the return of Hatem Abd Elhamed.

The 28-year-old Israel defender, who signed from Hapoel Be’er Sheva on a four-year contract last July, suffered a groin injury in the 2-1 win over Lazio in Rome in November.

He was well received by the home supporters when he replaced Kristoffer Ajer in the 81st minute and won the penalty when he was tripped in the area by Saints captain Sam Foley.

Lennon said: “I am delighted. He got a nice ovation when he came on and he contributed to the penalty.

“It has been a long time for him so to get some minutes on the pitch was good for him.”

St Mirren dropped to second bottom of the table, three points ahead of Hearts, who they play on Wednesday night in a proverbial six-pointer.

“I would be lying if I said that Wednesday night wasn’t more important than Saturday,” said Buddies boss Jim Goodwin.