NEIL Lennon last night hailed Celtic’s performance in a 3-0 triumph over Hibernian that kept up the pressure on Premiership leaders Rangers as one of the best of his two stints as manager.
First-half goals from Callum McGregor and Albian Ajeti and a second-half strike from Mohamed Elyounoussi ensured the Scottish champions stayed a point behind their city rivals with a game in hand.
The Parkhead manager had been criticised following his side’s display in the narrow 1-0 win over Riga in a Europa League third round qualifier in Latvia on Thursday night.
However, the Northern Irishman was delighted with how his team played against opponents who had lost just one of their eight league games before yesterday.
“It was 10 out of 10,” he said. “It was the best of the season and one of the best of my time as manager, first or second time around.
“I thought we were outstanding and I thought the football we played was brilliant. I thought the control of the game was brilliant.
“We defended really well when we had to and it was just an outstanding all-round team performance.”
“I’m pleased, it was a big game for us. Hibs came here having not dropped a point away from home. We were miles ahead in all departments and I was really really pleased.’
Lennon restored Jeremie Frimpong, who had been superb after replacing James Forrest against Riga, to the Celtic starting line-up and his teenage wing back picked up the Man of the Match award.
“He has been a bit off colour in previous weeks, but he was back to form on Thursday night and brilliant today,” he said.
“Again, with the amount of games we have we have to be careful we don’t overdo it with him because he provides so much enthusiasm and energy and quality to the team.
“But he was a real catalyst for everything to get us going, to get the game on the front foot. He was outstanding.”
Lennon gave David Turnbull an extended run-out in the second-half and was pleased with how his £3m signing from Motherwell, who set up Elyounoussi for his goal, acquitted himself.
“He did well, showed great vision and looked comfortable in his environment,” he said. “He has a bit of work to do. But I was really pleased with his contribution for the third goal and he looked assured out there.
“We think he is a very talented young Scottish player and we are delighted to have him. You will see more of him as he goes on.”
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