WISE LENNON IS NOW KEEPING HIS COOL, SAYS HARTSON

Hartson hails his transformation from firebrand to a ‘wiser’ boss

WHEN Neil Lennon was first thrust into the Celtic manager’s post in March 2010, there was scarcely time for him to catch his breath, let alone ponder how best to present himself to the watching world.

The night the phone call came for him to replace Tony Mowbray, initially on an interim basis, he was what he was; an aspiring 38-year-old coach with the club’s development squad. One who had taken the required practical steps towards management but was prepared to bide his time for the right opportunity.

Lennon always felt the likelihood was that he would have to cut his teeth in a less conspicuous environment.

Made an offer he could never refuse, though, a desire to learn on the job came with a non-negotiable requirement to deliver results.

Never renowned as a shrinking violet in his playing days, his default position was to act instinctively. Occasionally, water bottles were kicked, officials were berated and sparks flew.

As long as the bottom line continued to come with a silver lining, though, such matters were tolerated — even encouraged — by those advocating a full-throttle approach to the job.

Five years after calling time on his first stint in charge, it would be entirely misleading to suggest that the fire in his belly doesn’t burn quite as brightly as it once did.

When Odsonne Edouard scored a 96th-minute winner at Dundee last March, Lennon raced half the length of the Dens Park track in celebration. But such moments have certainly been more noteworthy for their rarity. Whether through choice or simply a maturity which comes through amassing experience, the 48-year-old certainly cuts a different figure these days; more measured, less volatile, very much at ease in his own skin.

Whether these behavioural nuances have led to Lennon improving as a manager or vice versa, only he could possibly say.

What’s beyond dispute, though, is the scale of his impact at the club second time around.

Dispensing with a possessionbased game that had long run its course under Brendan Rodgers, Lennon’s call for a more dynamic approach using fewer touches and more forward passes has already been handsomely rewarded.

For all a much-improved Rangers side are breathing down their necks in the Premiership, Celtic are still five points better off than at this point last season. Rodgers’ 24-game winning cup run has been extended to 30. Qualification for the last 32 of the Europa League has been secured with two games to spare.

Most of the green-and-white persuasion who accused the board of selling them short when Lennon was confirmed as Rodgers’ successor after the Scottish Cup final victory over Hearts, have been forced to concede they called it wrong.

By every conceivable measure, the man from Lurgan has shown himself to be the right man at the right time for their club.

‘When you get older, you get wiser,’ said Lennon’s former team-mate John Hartson.

‘You learn. Children come along and become teenagers and you become more responsible and Neil’s no different.

‘He seems a lot calmer and has great people under him. Like John Kennedy, who is rated exceptionally highly as a young coach by Celtic, and Damien Duff along with ex-players Darren O’Dea and Stephen McManus.

‘The time I spend with Neil, he feels very comfortable in his skin and where he’s at in terms of his team.

‘He feels he’s got a really strong team and they’re playing exceptionally well with a great captain leading them in Scott Brown.

‘I see a difference in him. If you keep making the same mistakes, you get stuck in a rut but, as you get older and more experienced, you learn. I see a wiser Lenny, who doesn’t berate referees as much. But when he did that, it was part of the learning.’

Just because matters beyond Lennon’s control aren’t a source of sleep deprivation these days isn’t to say they don’t concern him.

While almost no praise has been too high for the 13 goals Edouard has contributed to date this term, a cursory glance at any teamsheet in recent weeks is a reminder of Celtic’s high dependence upon him.

Currently recovering from injury, Vakoun Issouf Bayo is yet to prove he’s an adequate back-up to the Frenchman.

There are no such concerns about Leigh Griffiths’ ability to deliver in a penalty box but doubts continually surround his fitness.

All of which makes the prospect of Celtic cashing in on Edouard in January about as likely as a heatwave.

But when it does happen — whether it’s next summer or further down the line — Hartson anticipates an extraordinary sum of money changing hands.

‘He’s got the world at his feet and he’ll get better and better,’ said the Welshman.

‘He’s on a long-term contract, so Celtic won’t be too worried — but he wouldn’t go for cheap, that’s for sure.

‘The offers will come in and it’s then up to Celtic what they do. One of the reasons Moussa Dembele maybe moved on was because they had Edouard waiting in the wings and Brendan paid £9million for him, so they realised his potential.

‘If you look at what Dembele went for (£20m to Lyon), then Edouard is certainly in that type of bracket if Celtic ever consider selling him.’

With each passing week, Alfredo Morelos’ long-term monetary value to Rangers is being viewed in the same light.

For all the Colombian’s ability was obvious as he struck 30 goals last season, five red cards kept potential suitors at bay.

If 22 goals in 26 games this term have underscored the 23-year-old’s growing reputation, five bookings along the way — hardly outrageous for an aggressive striker — suggests a new leaf has been turned.

‘I don’t know if Morelos has more to prove,’ offered Hartson.

‘He got 30 goals last season, which is a good return. There’s no doubt the boy can score goals.

‘Steven Gerrard says he has no interest in selling him in January and why would you? He is young enough that if he doesn’t go in January, he could go in the summer.

‘I’m sure Steven is desperate to keep him because he knows how much of a threat he is.

‘Whether you like him or loathe him, he is back in amongst the goals again this season.

‘He is a pest, he doesn’t give you an inch.’

The notable omission on the Colombian’s record remains a goal in ten games against Celtic.

With the Betfred Cup final and a league trip to Celtic Park coming on December 8 and 29 respectively, Hartson feels Morelos will have no hiding place if a dismal run in the fixture runs into the next calendar year.

‘Kris Boyd had a similar record. He was a fantastic scorer in the SPL but I think he only got one against Celtic,’ he added.

‘But sometimes you can play against a team and you have no joy against them for whatever reason.

‘I remember Juninho coming up and not doing particularly well but he played Rangers one day and was absolutely brilliant.

‘Roy Keane came to Ibrox once and absolutely dominated. He looked the best player on the pitch and I’m sure Rangers players have done that, too.’