Lennon: I enjoyed pressure spell

NEIL LENNON claims he “really enjoyed” the recent and deepest crisis of his managerial career.

The Celtic boss had contemplated the implications of defeat by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park a fortnight ago, as he made his way up the tunnel at the interval 3-0 down and with the prospect of falling 13 points behind SPL leaders Rangers.

However, an inspirational half-time team talk saw the visitors storm back for a point and, with St Mirren scoring a late equaliser against the champions at Ibrox, the pressure on the Armagh man was alleviated.

Celtic remain 10 points adrift of the Ibrox men but in much better fettle ahead of the visit of Hibs today in the SPL.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, believe it or not,” he said. “It was a different period in my managerial career that I had to get through and I enjoyed that challenge.

“All managers get tested and it’s a question of your own character, how you handle it and how you get through it.

“I don’t really take notice of the criticism.

“I don’t take it personally but you wouldn’t be a human being if it didn’t irk you a little bit. Results being the way they were, you are open to criticism.

“Now that has not happened to me before and that was a real test for me and, on the back of less than great results previously, I was asking a lot of questions of myself.

“I got the response I was looking for at Kilmarnock and since then there has been a gradual improvement, not only in performances but in the spirit of the squad.