IT COULD HAVE ENDED IN TIERS BUT FOR LENNY

KIERAN TIERNEY last night insisted Celtic’s treble Treble dream would have crashed and burned without Neil Lennon.

The Hoops full-back praised the Northern Irishman for steering the club through the chaos of Brendan Rodgers’ departure to Leicester City back in February when their silverware ambitions were in danger of falling apart.

Lennon’s first task was to navigate past a Premiership clash with Hearts at Tynecastle before a Scottish Cup trip to Easter Road and Tierney is adamant these were dates with density which could have blown their entire campaign off course.

With Saturday’s cup final against the Jambos at Hampden now looming, the Scotland defender convinced the caretaker is the biggest factor in why they now have history within their grasp.

He said: “We wouldn’t have won the league or been in this position without him.

“He’s been great for us since he came in. He’s steadied us when we needed it.

“That has been so important, it has been so crucial for us.

“As soon as he came in was two tough games with Hearts away and

Hibs away and those games could have changed our season.

“For him to come in and do that so quickly and have an impact on us every day in training was massive for us.

“He knows how to win as he’s been here before as both a player and a manager.

“So for us to have that faith in him as we know he’s been here and done it.

“He knows what he’s talking about and that’s a big thing which gives all of the players confidence.

“Boys like Scott Brown, Mikel Lustig and Jamesy Forrest have all worked under him before so that also helped the transition for everybody.”

Tierney will play make himself available for this weekend’s showpiece despite requiring surgery on a double hernia but he admits Lennon’s impact will ensure he goes for glory without a grimace.

He said: “For me, I’m really enjoying it. I may be playing through pain but I’m still playing with a smile on my face and enjoying every minute and learning from him.

“I have had meetings with him as well which I’m learning from.

“John Kennedy has also been a massive help to me as has Damien

Duff. So it’s a good three and everyone is enjoying it.”