Jim’s done Saints a power of Good Lennon laughs off past differences and says Goodwin is worthy of respect
The Hoops boss now laughs off that incident seven years ago – and is keen to talk up the Irishman’s credentials as a gaffer.
The pair meet in the dugout on Wednesday night as Celtic attempt to claw back three Premiership points with their first game in hand.
But Lennon knows it won’t be easy against the Buddies, who look a different outfit under Goodwin.
The fiery duo had words in 2013 that resulted in the Hoops manager being hit with a ban.
Goodwin, who came through the ranks at Parkhead when Lennon was a player, spoke up for his rival back then and now Lennon is full of admiration for the job he’s doing with Saints.
He cl a ims t he Paisley club are no longer easy prey for any Premiership side and says Goodwin has already made his mark.
Lennon said: “It wasn’t even a spat with Jim, it was nothing. I get on well with him.
“He did a brilliant job at Alloa and has steadied the ship at St Mirren.
“There is a really good structure and organisation to how they play. They’ve had a good start to the season and are decent at home. “They are a tough nut to crack now and that’s all down to Jim and his staff. He’s done a good job and shows intelligence in the tactical sense of his game. “Jim was a young lad coming through at Celtic when I was a player.
“He went to England, had a good career as a player then came back to Scotland to start his coaching career.
“He created a good style of play at Alloa and has made St Mirren tougher to beat on a very limited budget.
“He kept them in the division last season and they look well-established now. They don’t look like cannon fodder for anyone.”
St Mirren were dealt a blow last week when two players, including keeper Jak Alnwick, tested positive for Covid-19.
Their match against Hibs yesterday went ahead regardless and Lennon sees no reason why their midweek clash would be in doubt.
The Celtic gaffer is desperate to build up a head of steam in the Premiership before the next break in October.
He said: “There’s no reason to think our game won’t be on. Just because two Saints players got the virus, we can’t shut the whole thing down.
“If the rest of the squad is fit and healthy we’re OK to carry on unless it spreads like wildfire through the club.
“We have to progress now. We can’t keep stopping and starting otherwise we’ ll never get the game off the ground. “We want to build momentum and make up for lost ground in the league. “Potentially, we’ve six games between now and the next international break.
“Ideally, we want to get our teeth into it now because it has been a bit stop-start so far.”
Lennon’s squad has been boosted by the arrivals of Shane Duffy and David Turnbull while sought- after striker Odsonne Edouard returned from injury against Ross County yesterday.
Several English Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for the Frenchman but Lennon said: “That’s the nature of the window but it’s not at the forefront of my mind.
“We have lots of games to play and we want all the players here. The club will do everything in their power to make sure that happens.
“I’m not aware of interest in Odsonne – it’s all just speculation. We want to keep him here. We know what a talent he is but also how important this season is for the club and the supporters.”