Lennon: we must learn to live with high anxiety

CELTIC boss Neil Lennon insists his players need to battle through the anxiety which is part and parcel of life at the Old Firm.

The Parkhead side fell three points behind leaders Rangers on Saturday after a Sean Dillon injury-time header at Celtic Park gave Dundee United a share of the spoils.

Gary Hooper’s 11th goal of the season after 23 minutes put the home side ahead, and had Tannadice keeper Dusan Pernis not made a great save from the former Scunthorpe striker minutes later, the points could have been safe.

However, as the second goal refused to come the anxiousness of the home support spread from the stands on to the pitch and United eventually got the equaliser with just seconds remaining of added time.

Former Celtic skipper Lennon believes his players have to cope with the pressure which is sure to increase as the season continues.

“That’s the expectation level that comes with being at a big club and the players have to live with that and have to get past that,” the Irishman said. “It’s been like that since I’ve been here and I’m sure it was like it before that.

“It’s something we have to deal with when playing for Celtic. I don’t know how many chances we had but it was enough to win the game.”

Kenny Miller insists Rangers’ battling victory over Kilmarnock sets them up perfectly for a make-or-break Champions League clash with Manchester United.

Miller netted a hat-trick in a 3-2 win on Saturday and said Rangers must show the same determination to overcome United on Wednesday as they battle to keep their hopes of a last 16 place alive.

The striker said: “Of course this win sets us up nicely. We will have to soak up a lot of pressure (on Wednesday) and we will have to win the game if we are to have a chance of qualification so we are going to have to create a few chances.”

Meanwhile reports last night claimed referees in Scotland have voted to strike next weekend, putting the entire SPL programme at risk. The referees union voted for the action, following recent criticism following referee Dougie McDonald's decision to overturn a penalty decision against Celtic.

McDonald later admitted to lying about the reason behind his decision and was warned by the SFA.