Lennon: Cesar helped Celts on their way
Neil Lennon felt the late Billy Mcneill had helped get his team a vital win in their bid for the treble Treble.
“It’s amazing when you think about it,” said the Celtic boss.
“That was a perfect way to win the game I suppose under the circumstances with everything that’s happened this week and today.
“The big man might have been looking down on us when we needed a goal.
“Jozo Simunovic has been outstanding for me since I’ve come in.
“I want my centrehalves to attack the ball more and he’s doing that on a regular basis.
“I’m pleased with the win, pleased with the second half and it’s a great three points.
“I would have loved us to go 4- 0 up and I could say this is brilliant but we are not playing as well as we can.”
Simunovic said he was blessed after scoring the goal that paid the perfect tribute to Celtic icon Mcneill.
The Croat-born defender scored his side’s winner with 67 minutes on the clock on the day the club remembered the Lisbon Lions skipper.
And after handing his shirt, bearing the No. 5 he inherited, to the Mcneill family, he spoke of his joy at the part he played in the victory.
“It was a special moment, it’s the favourite moment in my Celtic career,” he said.
“I was surprised on the bus before the game when I saw so many fans. I couldn’t have imagined something like that.
“That g a ve me an impulse to give even more in this game.
“I believed it would be a special day for me because of the number five.
“Fo r ever yone, it meant a lot but for me it was special.
“The manager spoke to us about Billy before the game to help inspire us.
“Everyone knows how big a name he is at this club and the impact he had on Celtic.
“He was a leader, an amazing guy.
“Some people will say that I’m lucky to score with the number five on 67 minutes. But I say I’m blessed. I believe that.
“At first I didn’t even watch on screen. I had something on my mind and I’m going to keep that for myself, what I said.
“But when they start with the ball from half pitch, I turned around and thought, ‘ You know, maybe it’s that minute’. And it actually was it. It made me even happier.
“I will remember this for the rest of my life. Trophies are also special, but for me this is something else. I had a chat with Billy’s family after and gave them my shirt – that gave me even more reason to remember this day.”