Celtic boss calls on his side to keep ‘rolling on’

PREMIERSHIP: Leaders return to league action with game against Hearts tomorrow

Neil Lennon wants Celtic’s bandwagon to roll seamlessly from cup to league with the visit of Hearts tomorrow.

The William Hill Scottish Cup holders booked a quarter-final spot – and a date with St Johnstone in Perth – with a 3-0 fifth-round victory over League One outfit Clyde at Broadwood Stadium on Sunday.

It was Celtic’s 33rd successive domestic cup-tie win but Lennon quickly refocused on the Ladbrokes Premiership where he is looking for the champions to at least maintain their seven-point lead over Old Firm rivals Rangers at the top of the table when the Gorgie side come calling.

He told CelticTV: “It (33) is incredible. Great consistency from the players.

“We were clear favourites, so we made sure there were no mistakes and now we keep rolling on.

“It was comfortable, we used the squad as well, so it was a good day all round.

“Back to league business and a home game. We have a heavy schedule of games, so it was good to use the squad.

“Hearts have picked up a little bit but we are playing well at home and obviously playing well in the league and we just want to keep it going and keep it going.”

The Northern Irishman made six changes to his side to give a rest to star players such as Fraser Forster, Callum McGregor and Odsonne Edouard, and the visitors took care of business with minimum fuss.

Lennon praised French midfielder Olivier Ntcham, who scored the opener with a drive from outside the box, and substitute Vakoun Bayo, who netted a late third from a Moritz Bauer pass, with skipper Scott Brown scoring just before the break.

The Parkhead manager said: “It was a great goal. Olivier is in great form, he is playing brilliantly.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Stendel is hopeful victory over Rangers can give Hearts confidence of clinching an Old Firm double tomorrow night.

The Jambos beat Steven Gerrard’s side 2-1 in the Ladbrokes Premiership at Tynecastle on January 26 and have the chance to repeat that feat after the pair were drawn together in the quarterfinals of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

First, the Gorgie outfit – sitting one point behind Hamilton at the bottom of the table – have to face Celtic, who have lost only two domestic matches this season and only one at home.

However, boss Stendel takes encouragement from the win over the Gers.

“It showed that we can win games against teams from the top of the table,” he told Hearts TV.

Picture: SNS. Celtic manager Neil Lennon has praised his players after they won their 33rd successive domestic cup tie at the weekend.