Lennon ready to face Celtic challenge head-on

Neil Lennon admits his Hibernian side face a “tall order” if they are to topple Celtic and reach the final of the Betfred Cup.

Hibs face the daunting task of taking on Brendan Rodgers’ side in the semi-final at Hampden Park today, with the Hoops in the midst of a 59-game unbeaten domestic run.

Lennon’s side came as close as anyone to ending the sequence, being held to a 2-2 draw at Celtic Park in September after a late Callum McGregor goal, but he has played down the significance of that result and laid down the challenge to his squad.

“The performance at Celtic Park, whilst it was a good performance, it will bear no significance on tomorrow even though it’s still very fresh in the memory,” he said.

“This team are undefeated in over a year domestically, so it tells you about the tall order in front of us, but it’s not insurmountable.

“It’s a semi-final, and I’ve told the players no one remembers semi-finalists so it’s important they take the game in isolation and not think about two weeks ago and focus on the here and now.”

The surroundings today will be familiar for the Hibs players, who have recent experience of playing in the national stadium having won the Scottish Cup in 2016 and finishing runners-up in the League Cup that same season.

Such experience could be crucial to the squad, and Lennon tipped John McGinn to prosper after the midfielder scored twice in the draw earlier in the season.

He said: “He’s a big-game player and I have a few of those in the team. They’ve been at Hampden on a few occasions now so it won’t be unfamiliar surroundings for them.

“John is playing very, very well, so he’s in a good vein of form and I hope he carries that on into the game tomorrow because we’re going to need everybody at their best.”

With Rangers facing Motherwell in the other semi-final, there remains a prospect of an Old Firm final in November, and Lennon said he was happy to go under the radar in the build-up.

“There’s an expectation on the Old Firm to get to the finals and compete, so it’s nothing new. It has been a low-key build-up, which suits me,” he said.

Steven Whittaker is being troubled by a sore hip and will be monitored ahead of the trip to Hampden Park, while Paul Hanlon is expected to be passed fit despite missing training yesterday with a virus.