HIBERNIAN head coach Neil Lennon used to relish his trips to an electric Easter Road when he was in the colours of Celtic. This afternoon, he believes that same wall of noise in Leith can help to derail the champions’ juggernaut.
A sell-out crowd is expected in the capital as Hibs become the latest side to take a shot at Celtic’s 67-match unbeaten run, having already claimed a 2-2 draw at Parkhead before succumbing to a 4-2 defeat against Brendan Rodgers’ men in the Betfred Cup semi-final.
Lennon has no doubt his players will be inspired by the occasion, setting up a mouth-watering clash against the side he captained and managed to such success.
“I enjoyed coming to Easter Road with Celtic. It was always a good atmosphere. I was involved in some cracking games as a player,” said Lennon. “That was one of the reasons I wanted to come here and it has lived up to my expectations.
“It’s a big city club, a top club in Scotland and we have a team playing very good football in front of healthy crowds.
“The fans seem to get themselves up for the bigger games quite easily and I’m pretty sure it will be red hot against Celtic. That makes a huge difference to players.
“They realise they are back in the top division and playing the big games. Traditionally this club has a great history and the players are feeling that [and] sensing it.
“There is a really healthy connection between the supporters and players at the moment.”
On Celtic’s unbeaten exploits, Lennon added: “You will get petty jealousy and people wanting to nip at it or pick holes in it, but to be 67 games unbeaten at a professional level, particularly in the top league in this country, takes some doing. But, it will happen: they will lose eventually.”
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