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Neil Lennon hails Celtic belief after Old Firm victory over Rangers
The Bhoys chief admits he doubted himself when the Gers opened up a massive lead earlier in the season, and feels his side’s incredible comeback is a reward for their faith
29 Dec 2011 11:23:00
By Liam Twomey
Celtic manager Neil Lennon paid tribute to his side’s unshakeable belief after victory over Old Firm rivals Rangers on Wednesday evening took them top of the SPL.
Joe Ledley’s second-half header gave Lennon’s men a hard-fought victory at Celtic Park, and ensures, incredibly, that they will see in the New Year on top of the league having overturned a 15-point deficit with a run of nine consecutive victories.
After the match the Celtic manager admitted he had begun to doubt himself when Rangers opened up a massive lead earlier in the season, but believes Wednesday’s victory was a deserved reward for their enduring faith.
"I was doubting my own position and I'm sure a lot of fans were as well," Lennon told BBC Scotland.
"But I kept believing in the players and we've turned it around, although there is still a long way to go.
"It was the best Christmas and New Year I could have asked for. I'm so proud of the players.
"Without being brilliant, it was a very good performance against a dogged Rangers side.
"Rangers are a very good side and that gets overlooked in all the criticism that surrounds both teams at times.
"This Rangers side have been at the top for the last three or four years and have a great mentality."
Lennon also revealed that defeat to Rangers in the first meeting between the sides back in September provided an added incentive for his team.
"I've been waiting for three months for this game because the 4-2 defeat really hurt me," he added.
"I wanted a response and I got that tonight.
"The important thing was to win, make it nine in a row and I want to take it on to 10 now.
“Psychologically, it will do the players the world of good, and it gives the punters a sense of pride going into the New Year.
"I don't enjoy the build-up to these games. It's been over Christmas and it's not been what it should be because you've got this huge game in the back of your mind."
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Bet: | Returns: | Rangers £15.00 | Draw £35.00 | Motherwell £60.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Rangers £15.71 | Draw £35.00 | Motherwell £70.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Rangers £14.00 | Draw £43.30 | Motherwell £85.00 |
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Joe Ledley’s second-half header gave Lennon’s men a hard-fought victory at Celtic Park, and ensures, incredibly, that they will see in the New Year on top of the league having overturned a 15-point deficit with a run of nine consecutive victories.
After the match the Celtic manager admitted he had begun to doubt himself when Rangers opened up a massive lead earlier in the season, but believes Wednesday’s victory was a deserved reward for their enduring faith.
"I was doubting my own position and I'm sure a lot of fans were as well," Lennon told BBC Scotland.
"But I kept believing in the players and we've turned it around, although there is still a long way to go.
"It was the best Christmas and New Year I could have asked for. I'm so proud of the players.
"Without being brilliant, it was a very good performance against a dogged Rangers side.
"Rangers are a very good side and that gets overlooked in all the criticism that surrounds both teams at times.
"This Rangers side have been at the top for the last three or four years and have a great mentality."
Lennon also revealed that defeat to Rangers in the first meeting between the sides back in September provided an added incentive for his team.
"I've been waiting for three months for this game because the 4-2 defeat really hurt me," he added.
"I wanted a response and I got that tonight.
"The important thing was to win, make it nine in a row and I want to take it on to 10 now.
“Psychologically, it will do the players the world of good, and it gives the punters a sense of pride going into the New Year.
"I don't enjoy the build-up to these games. It's been over Christmas and it's not been what it should be because you've got this huge game in the back of your mind."
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
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