Neil Lennon: Celtic have cleared ‘huge hurdle’

Neil Lennon believes his Celtic side have cleared a ‘huge hurdle’ following their 2-1 victory over Rangers in Sunday’s Old Firm clash at Parkhead.

James Forrest’s 86th-minute strike was enough to hand the Bhoys all three points and they now look destined to win an eighth-consecutive Scottish Premiership title as they have moved 13 points clear at the top of the table.

It was certainly a dramatic contest, with both teams ending the match with 10 men, as Rangers had forward Alfredo Morelos sent off during the first half, while Dedryck Boyata limped off for Celtic after they had used all three of their substitutes.

Rangers also had Andy Halliday dismissed after the final whistle and Lennon feels his side have delivered a psychological blow to their Old Firm rivals, while also clearing a ‘huge hurdle’ of their own.

“This is psychologically a massive blow [to Rangers] for us to win today, it’s a huge hurdle cleared,” Lennon told reporters.

Lennon also singled out forward Odsonne Edouard, who scored Celtic’s opener and laid on Forrest’s winner, for particular praise.

“I can’t ask any more than the players are giving me at the minute,” the former Hibernian manager added “We dug in deep and I thought Edouard was immense. He scored a great goal and produced a great lay-off for the second.”

Celtic are back in league action on Wednesday night when they visit St Mirren and they are priced at 1.18 to win that contest, while the Buddies are available at 15.00 and the draw is on offer at 7.00.