HOME AND DRY AFTER ROME
Lennon lauds Parkhead show on back of Euro heroics
NEIL LENNON admitted he was delighted that the physical and mental toll of defeating Lazio in Rome last Thursday night didn’t result in precious league points being spilled against Motherwell.
Odsonne Edouard claimed his 13th goal of the season before Richard Tait’s own goal ensured Celtic clocked up a seventh straight win in all competitions.
‘It’s a great performance, another clean sheet and a good win,’ said Lennon afterwards.
‘We could have won the game by more and I don’t remember Motherwell having a shot on target. That speaks volumes for the way the team are playing.
‘They arrived back in Glasgow at four o’clock on Friday morning and they’ve gone out and played ever so well again today.
‘So I’m absolutely thrilled and really proud of them, not just the ones who played today but the whole squad throughout this round of games. They have been absolutely sensational.’
Reflecting on a purple patch which has seen his side top both their Europa League group and the Premiership, as well as reaching a Betfred Cup final with Rangers, Lennon continued: ‘It’s been a great week and a great few weeks for us. That’s seven straight wins in all competitions now, so I can’t ask for any more.
‘Some of the football they are playing, the fluidity of the team and the confidence has been fantastic.
‘Now we take stock and I think some of them need the break because it’s been a really heavy load of games.
‘Hopefully, the international boys go away and are successful but come back fit and healthy.’
One of many heroes in Rome, Jonny Hayes was the sponsors’ man of the match yesterday.
Admitting the player’s form was now compelling him to look at a contract which expires at the end of the season, Lennon said: ‘He is popular with the other players and he has shown a real reliability, quality and confidence. ‘The pace he brings down that left-hand side, he put in several good crosses today. He can play wing-back, midfield or left-back. I’m so happy with him and happy for him. ‘He knows his role within the parameters of the squad. His fitness levels are fantastic, his pace is fantastic along with his enthusiasm for the game. ‘His game intelligence is improving all the time. I thought he was wonderful today, so he has been a real plus for me. Today was probably his best game.
‘He has played in some big games for me: a cup final, a semi-final, a game against Rangers. He has not let me down. He might not be everyone’s cup of tea but he does a brilliant job for us.’
Despite seeing his side fall behind third-placed Aberdeen, Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson felt there were positives to be taken from his side’s display.
‘I thought it was a good performance,’ he said.
‘Our shape worked well, we contained them a lot and we had a threat on the counter. ‘We had some good performances. Devante Cole was terrific, Bevis Mugabi too, and young Barry Maguire making only his second start of the season.
‘We limited Celtic to an own goal (in the second half). And we had the free-kick that they scored the first one from. They put it in the goalkeeper’s hands and then it’s a defensive error after that.
‘We got punished. Declan (Gallagher) intercepted the ball and Edouard put it in the top corner. That’s the level you’re up against.
‘There were a lot of positives for us. We were organised and the boys carried it out to the letter.
‘Could we have held more of a threat in the final third? Yeah, but they wear you down.
‘You don’t beat Lazio if you’re not a top-class side.
‘I take things from the performance, but not the result. We’re never happy getting beaten.’