MY JOB JUST GOT TOUGHER, SAYS HOUSTON

PETER HOUSTON admits his mission to steer Falkirk back to the top flight just became a lot tougher following Neil Lennon’s appointment as Hibs boss. The Bairns manager worked as Lennon’s chief scout at Celtic for seven months and still recalls his devotion to the job and burning desire to improve the team. With Lennon now at the helm of one of his main rivals for promotion, Houston insists Hibs will be favourites for the Championship title and says they will be a stronger opponent than under Alan Stubbs. ‘During my time at Celtic, I got to know Neil — and Hibs fans can be sure they have a manager who is driven and works night and day for his football club,’ said Houston. ‘This is someone who has taken a Scottish side into the last 16 of the Champions League. With global finances in football the way they are, no one should underestimate what an achievement that was. ‘My time working with him was towards the end of his spell at Celtic. He’d decided he wanted a change, but was still totally determined to make sure Celtic got over the line and won the title. ‘He brings experience of working in Glasgow, dealing with all sorts of things, and I have a lot of admiration for standing up to all that and continuing to win matches. ‘Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but Bolton clearly wasn’t the right move. ‘If he knew the position they were in, perhaps he wouldn’t have taken it on. But he’s a battler and thought he could improve them. ‘In those circumstances, no one could have. ‘That shouldn’t diminish what he achieved in Scottish football. It’s a magnificent appointment for Hibernian... and makes my job harder!’ The pair had a few touchline confrontations when Houston was in charge of Dundee United, the ex-Tannadice boss saying: ‘I’m always passionate about the team I work for. ‘Neil is a passionate guy, too. It happens — and will probably happen again! ‘It doesn’t mean there isn’t respect there. It will be fantastic to pit my wits against him again. ‘I think Hibs will be considered favourites now. They have a good squad, will probably add a couple more and he’s already said they need to be tougher to beat. I believe they will be better next season.’