Lennon urges Celtic to ‘kick on’

CELTIC manager Neil Lennon wants his players to enjoy their return to the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League but warned them not to write off Rangers.

Joe Ledley’s second-half winner in the Old Firm game at Parkhead on Wednesday night saw the Hoops leapfrog their city rivals by two points.

Celtic’s ninth SPL victory in-a-row completed a remarkable turnaround for the home side, who were 15 points behind the champions on November 5, albeit with two games in hand.

However, the Parkhead boss is keen to ensure that there will be no complacency creeping into the club.

“I think we have come a long way in a short space of time,” he told the Evening Times.

“But Rangers are a top team and have been for a few years. They have a great mentality, so we have to be very wary.

“We have to try and maintain our consistency. But this win will give the players a huge lift in terms of confidence.

“And, of course, the feelgood factor around the club will be here for a while.”

Celtic winger James Forrest admits going ahead in the title race for the first time this season, bar a few hours in August, is significant.

The 20-year-old said: “It’s a massive boost going into the new year. Hopefully we can stay top of the table.

“That’s nine victories in-a-row now and we really feel the spirit in the team is getting back to where we were last season. Hopefully we can go on and win it now.”

Manager Neil Lennon echoed those sentiments.

He said: “We want to kick on, and instead of people putting pressure on us, we want to try to put pressure on everybody else.”

While Celtic have rehabilitated themselves, problems seem to be coming to the fore at Ibrox.

Rangers have taken just 10 points from a possible 21 during the time Celtic have been on their winning streak and the spotlight is now very much on Ally McCoist.