Lennon pleads for patience

Celtic captain Neil Lennon has urged supporters to remain patient as the team aim to build on the Old Firm derby win with a Champions League triumph on Tuesday.

Thomas Gravesen and Kenny Miller scored their first goals for the Hoops in the 2-0 win over Rangers at Celtic Park on Saturday.

The result opened up a seven-point gap over the Ibrox club for the Bank of Scotland Premier League leaders.

Now Celtic will play host to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League in midweek as they bid for their first points in the competition after the 3-2 defeat at Manchester United two weeks ago.

Lennon said: “It puts us in good spirits, but the psychology of the midweek game will be totally different.

“We will maybe go into the Champions League tie as slight favourites now and the expectation level has moved a bit higher.

“But the Champions League provides no easy games and we just hope the fans will be a little patient as we chase the win.”

But the former Northern Ireland international was delighted with Old Firm win - and the manner in which Celtic dominated the game.

He added: “I thought we had a stranglehold on the game for long periods and the goals came at the right time.

“Goals in these fixtures always seem to dictate the psychology of the game.

“So, if you can get the first one, it is a huge advantage and, fortunately, we did.”

But the 35-year-old stressed the importance of Celtic keeping their focus as a catalyst for the win over the Light Blues.

Lennon told Setanta Sports: “The Rangers forwards are a handful for anyone and I am a big fan of Dado Prso and Kris Boyd.

“Obviously, Rangers had a game plan but we were just focused on keeping the ball and getting crosses in for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Kenny Miller.”