Lennon sees grounds for derby belief

NEIL LENNON believes Celtic are bringing their flamboyance and danger of old back to the table — and is sure they can blow the title race wide open by winning at Ibrox next weekend.

The Parkhead side overcame terrible weather conditions to record a 3-0 win at Hamilton through a penalty from the excellent Odsonne Edouard and further efforts from Leigh Griffiths and David Turnbull.

Still 16 points behind Rangers with three games in hand, Celtic really have to take something from Saturday’s Old Firm derby to keep the dream of 10 in a row alive, and Lennon admits the quality of yesterday’s display

makes him feel victory is an achievable goal.

‘I wouldn’t make predictions about the game at Ibrox. It’s too early for that,’ he said. ‘But are they capable of going there and winning? Yeah. They’ve proved in the past they can do it. ‘We’ve got Dundee United first, on Wednesday, so it’s one step at a time. But we’re moving forward in the right direction.

‘I want us to play more like that and keep creating chances. There was more flamboyance about us. ‘All we can do is keep putting pressure on. We’re starting to do that. ‘I thought we were outstanding. We were brilliant in the first half and should have been two or three up.

‘The attitude and approach of the players was tremendous in dreadful conditions and on a plastic pitch. It’s the best we’ve played for a while and the body language of the players was excellent. It’s a great three points for us.’

Edouard’s body language was certainly much improved.

‘I thought Odsonne looked great today, the best he’s looked for a while,’ added Lennon (left). ‘His quality was there for everyone to see.’

Hamilton manager Brian Rice was angry at referee Don Robertson for penalising Aaron Martin for what appeared to be a late tackle on Edouard for the penalty that broke the deadlock.

‘In the first half, we were organised, but it’s the season for presents and Celtic got one with the penalty,’ said Rice.

‘That’s my opinion. It was very soft but the ref gives it.’