‘Fearless’ Celts ready for Terrors

NEIL LENNON hailed his players as fearless as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title races enters what is sure to be its tense final weeks.

The Hoops emerged from the hard-fought goalless draw at Ibrox last week still one point behind Rangers at the top but, perhaps crucially, having played a game less.

Lennon is preparing for the visit of Dundee United tomorrow and believes “hunger” and “desire” are also characteristics to be found in the squad he has assembled since becoming permanent boss last summer.

“They don’t seem to have any fear,” the Irishman said.

“There have been a few anxious moments throughout the season but for a young group, they have shown a lot of maturity.

“There is a good togetherness amongst them and what I like is that they are very hungry and have a real desire to achieve something.

“You could see all that on Sunday.

“There have been no real issues or confrontations throughout the season and they have been really together for a long, long time.

“The squad is good, the confidence is good, they are all champing at the bit to play, and there is a certain amount of freshness about the players as well, which is great.”

The former Celtic skipper, however, bristled when asked again about the end to the 2005 season when he was part of the Hoops side which threw away what looked to be an unassailable lead after winning the last Old Firm game of the season.

Martin O’Neill’s side left Ibrox following a 2-1 win five points clear of their old rivals with four matches remaining, but lost the title in a dramatic last-day defeat at Motherwell.

“Everyone asks about that,” said Lennon. “No one mentions 2008 when we won the league on the last day of the season by winning eight games in a row. Everyone asks about 2005. Funny that.’’