Question mark over Lennon’s future

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill left a question mark hanging over the future of Neil Lennon by revealing that he would wait until the end of the season before discussing the latest incident involving the midfielder.

The former Northern Ireland international was attacked in Glasgow's West End hours after helping the Hoops back to the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League with the win over Motherwell.

Lennon has been no stranger to controversy since signing for Celtic and O'Neill did not give the 31-year-old, who still has two years remaining on his contract, his unequivocal backing.

"I've not really had a chance to speak to him," insisted O'Neill. "I've not really made it my business. He is pretty upset about it and if you are asking what happens about his future? I would leave it down to the end of the season.

"I believe there were a few witnesses and it was an unprovoked attack and obviously that would cause great concern.

"It's happened very often hasn't it? But he's a pretty strong character. It's certainly not the best thing to happen to him. I will speak to him, but there are big games coming up. He's keen to get on with it and we'll see after that."

Lennon's representative Mel Stein insisted the player would not be forced out of Parkhead.

Lennon suffered facial injuries in the incident, which also saw a female companion pushed to the ground. The matter has been reported to Strathclyde Police who will continue investigations.

The 31-year-old still has two years left on his current deal but, after suffering a death threat before a Northern Ireland game in August which prompted his retirement from international football and an incident in a nightclub two years ago, questions have been raised about his future in the Old Firm goldfish bowl after this latest attack.

But Stein maintains the player has no reason not to stay with the club he supported as a boy.

"Why should it affect his future with Celtic? This is the first time there has been a mindless assault on him personally when he was on his own.

"It can happen anywhere London, New York or anywhere. They were just thugs.

"It wasn't pre-meditated. They saw him with a pretty girl and just attacked him. They were absolute drones. Neil was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."