SCOTTISH CUP Celtic v Motherwell:NEIL LENNON admits it will be a "special moment" for him when he leads out Celtic ahead of tomorrow's final against Motherwell.
The Northern Irishman, in his first full season as manager, was serving a touchline ban for the League Cup final against Rangers in March and had to sit in the stand as the Light Blues won 2-1 after extra-time.
Asked how much he was looking forward to walking out along with Fir Park boss Stuart McCall at the showpiece occasion, the former Celtic skipper joked: “It will make a pleasant change,” then added: “It will be a precious moment in my time here as a player, coach and now manager. The cup final is a very special occasion, and we haven’t been there for a few years.
“It will be a nice moment for me but it will not detract away from concentrating on what we have to do. We haven’t been to the final since 2007. It’s an important competition for the players and supporters and the backroom staff as well.”
Lennon believes his players deserve to get something from the season in which they also lost out on the Premier League title to Rangers by just one point.
“I would be disappointed (if we end up with nothing),” he said. “We have played very well this season and our recent form is very good. There is disappointment that we have not won the title but we have a cup to win and it’s a game we are all looking forward to. . .
“We want to bring success to the club and the only avenue we have is the cup final and we will do everything we can to win.
“You are always judged as a manager at Celtic on silverware.
“We have fell just short on two attempts and we don’t want to fall short on the third.”
Lennon also confirmed that striker Anthony Stokes is back in contention for a starting place.
The former Hibernian player was left out of the match against the Steelmen at Celtic Park last week after an incident at the team hotel. Lennon said Stokes had been disciplined but was now back in his plans.
“He is in the squad. He was (disciplined) yes, you all know that so I don’t know why you are asking me that. He has been disciplined on an internal matter.
“It was something I had to do. I don’t really want to discuss that any further.
“As regards his footballing ability, he has had a fine season and been an important player to me this year.”
Midfielder Shaun Maloney will miss out with a calf strain while former Notts Forest and Derby County winger Kris Commons returns from suspension.
