Vakoun Bayo has paid tribute to Celtic boss Neil Lennon after scoring a double on his first start for the Scottish champions.

Bayo moved to Parkhead in the January transfer window but struggled with hamstring problems and managed just two Premiership appearances last season. The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international was handed a full debut on Sunday and scored twice in a 3-1 win over Hearts – and Bayo thanked Lennon for his support during his spell on the sidelines.

“I should have scored three and the manager told me that as well! He’s been great with me since I arrived and he speaks to me and encourages me all the time,” he said, as reported by Sky Sports.

“I have benefited by the encouragement and it has paid off with me scoring.”

He added: “When I arrived I was really happy and then I suffered the injuries but the manager has been happy with me and the progress I was making but I had to be patient with it.” Celtic are back in action on Thursday night when they head to AIK in Sweden for the second leg of their Europa League play-off.

Lennon’s side hold a 2-0 lead after last week’s win in Glasgow and they are 2.30 to secure a win in Stockholm as they look to reach the Europa League group stages. Celtic are 67.00 to win the Europa League outright and 1.40 to successfully defend the Scottish Premiership title.