Derby boost for O’Neill as Lennon near to new contract

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill is optimistic that Neil Lennon will become the next star player to sign a new contract.

The ink on John Hartson’s two-year extension had barely dried before negotiations with the controversial Northern Irishman and his agent were set in motion.

Lennon’s current deal expires in the summer but his countryman and boss at Leicester, who brought him to Parkhead, is encouraged with how the initial talks went.