Old Firm clashes the turning point of season, says Lennon
Both sides meet in the Tennent’s Scottish Cup on January 9 but the biggest prize of them all will be contested over the remaining 180 minutes of league action still to be battled out.
Cult midfielder Lennon is convinced the clashes at Parkhead and Ibrox could determine whether Celtic can hold on to their Scottish Champions crown.
But O’Neill is very reluctant to place such importance on two games.
O’Neill and Lennon have been through thick and thin together from their days at Leicester through to the agony and ecstasy the controversial midfielder has experienced in Glasgow.
The bond between the two was never more evident than when O’Neill threw his arm around the player while shaking his fist defiantly at the Celtic support seconds after his team had crashed to defeat against Rangers.
The duo may have been on the same wavelength back then but clearly they have different expectations from the meetings with Rangers still to come.
O’Neill said: “In the last few years it hasn’t come down to the Old Firm games.
“One particular year we lost it by a goal.
“I wouldn’t think it would just be down to two games.”
But Lennon added: “Normally they are a turning point in the season. Both teams seem to be going well domestically.
“It’s important that we keep winning and stay in form and keep the pressure on Rangers.
“Ultimately it probably does boil down to the two Old Firm games in the New Year.”
One thing the pair do agree on is the need for the winter break to return to Scotland.
The shutdown was scrapped last year and Scottish clubs will be forced to play through another tough winter without any respite this season.
Celtic, along with Rangers and Hearts, failed to secure European football after Christmas meaning their schedules are slightly less gruelling than previous seasons.
But O’Neill insists his players would still benefit from some time off.
He said: “I certainly am in favour of the winter break.
“Having experienced it up here for a couple of seasons, it’s the best news going.
“It’s not just the best news for the football club and players, it’s great news for supporters as well because it’s a hectic time of year and you’re spending a few extra shillings.
“I do think a few weeks in January would give everybody a break, especially as we start the season earlier than everybody else and remarkably probably finish later than everybody else.
“So why shouldn’t we have it?
“It’s good news for everyone - it gives you a chance to refocus, to take a break from proceedings and I’m not so sure why it’s been done away with.”
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