Lennon wants job on merit

NEIL LENNON does not want the Celtic board to offer him a new contract out of “sympathy”.

The Hoops boss has had a troubled first full season in charge of the Parkhead side, being targeted by death threats and parcel bombs and he was attacked by a fan during the 3-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday.

The Irishman was given rapturous backing by the Celtic fans during the 4-0 home win over Motherwell yesterday, even though the title was ultimately lost to Old Firm rivals Rangers by one point, the Ibrox men clinching their third successive title with a 5-1 win at Kilmarnock.