Lennon has no problem with Livi approach
CELTIC manager Neil Lennon does not share Steven Gerrard’s criticisms over Livingston’s physical approach.
Livingston earned a rebuke from the Rangers manager after Ibrox midfielder Joe Aribo was left requiring 20 stitches into a head wound after the club’s Betfred Cup win at the Tony Macaroni Arena last Wednesday night. Gerrard later claimed that in any other league Ricki Lamie’s challenge would have earned a straight red card.
Kristoffer Ajer underwent surgery on a fractured eye socket last November in Celtic’s only visit to West Lothian after a clash of heads with then Livingston defender Craig Halkett but Lennon has no issues with the physicality that has been evidenced from Livingston in recent seasons.
“I’ve never had an issue with them,” he said. “I know maybe Steven did with the Aribo incident but a lot of teams in Scotland are physical. I don’t think Livingston fall into the category of being over-physical.”
Lennon’s concerns ahead of Celtic’s trip to face Livingston at noon tomorrow owe more to the manner in which Gary Holt’s side have been successful at stifling teams. The Parkhead side have a one-point lead at the top of the table and wouldn’t wish to relinquish their advantage.
“I think psychologically it’s good to go into the break with a positive,” said Lennon. “That will be important. We will give some thought to it today. The players are off today, getting a well-earned day off, and we will assess them tomorrow and take it from there.
“I understand that [holding lead at top of league] but it’s still early in the season. Obviously we want to go there and win. We only went there once last season and I think it was 0-0 so you can see how difficult the place can be.”
For the first time since 2000, Celtic have scored in all 19 of their opening 19 fixtures, an indication of the potency the Parkhead side have in attack. But on the back of Thursday night’s night Europa League exertions there could be one or two tweaks to the starting line-up.
“I’m concerned about it,” said Lennon. “We will assess them on Saturday and see how they are. It might be horses for courses on Sunday. Some players might be more comfortable than others on plastic.
“Inmymind,Idon’thaveateamyet.”