Lennon so proud as Celtic break Hearts

Celtic boss Neil Lennon says last night’s 4-0 thumping of Hearts was the best performance he witnessed in his team as Parkhead boss.

Lennon said: “Probably (the best) in my time as a manager. I thought we were devastating, powerful, quick on the counter-attack and the intensity and quality of their play was exceptional.

“It was all there tonight, the intensity, the atmosphere, I think the players relished the challenge. That is the standards we have set but I don’t expect them to play like that every week.”

Just seconds after Stephen Elliott’s second-minute header appeared to cross the line before being blocked by Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley, Hoops skipper Scott Brown drove low past Jambos keeper Jamie MacDonald for the opener.

Goals from midfielder Victor Wanyama and Ledley had the points secured by the interval before striker Gary Hooper concluded the romp on the hour with a typical poacher’s goal from close range.

HEARTS: MacDonald, Hamill, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger (Skacel 64), Taouil, McGowan, Robinson (Santana 71), Mrowiec, Driver (Glen 46), Elliott.

CELTIC: Forster, Matthews, Kelvin Wilson, Rogne (Majstorovic 64), Mulgrew, Forrest, Brown (Brozek 73), Wanyama, Ledley, Samaras, Hooper (Stokes 66).

Ref: William Collum (Scotland).