SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE:NEIL LENNON moved to ease the tension ahead of tonight's must-win Scottish Premier League clash against Hearts at Tynecastle by denying he had doubted the commitment of the Edinburgh side during their 4-0 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.
The Celtic manager also referred to Rangers’ 5-0 win over Motherwell the week before they cruised past Hearts: “What we are looking for is somebody to compete and give Rangers a game. There has not been much evidence of that in their previous two games.” Rangers’ win over Dundee United last night leaves them four points ahead.
Hearts manager Jim Jefferies accused Lennon of lacking respect but asked about his controversial comments after he had picked up the manager of the month award for April at Celtic Park yesterday, Lennon said: “You know they have been misinterpreted. You know I haven’t accused anyone of not competing and I haven’t accused anyone of not trying.
“I made an observation on the basis of results. I said there there was little evidence in the 5-0 and 4-0 defeat, but that’s not an accusation, that’s more of an observation. I’m not the one misinterpreting my quotes. I think it’s irresponsible. The people who asked Jim at his press conference knew and were trying to get a reaction from Jim.”
Lennon was more relaxed about the news Celtic could be facing a stronger Hearts side than the one which capitulated in Govan after Jefferies revealed he would have captain Marius Zaliukas and Marian Kello available again. Zaliukas was made unavailable to the former Kilmarnock boss for the trip to Ibrox on the morning of the game at the behest of majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov, who it is understood was concerned his fellow Lithuanian may be sent off by referee Iain Brines.
Kello – the goalkeeper has also been out of the team of late due to an undisclosed “private matter” – will also play.
“As I said the other day every club has their own agenda,” the former Celtic skipper said. “It’s not for me to comment on that. If they put out their best team tomorrow it would make it better if we beat them.”
Venue:Tynecastle
Kick-off:7.45pm
On TV:Sky Sports 1
