Neil Lennon proud of team's character

Published on Sunday 9 January 2011 19:28

CELTIC manager Neil Lennon was both satisfied and relieved by his team's 2-0 Scottish Cup fourth-round win at Berwick Rangers yesterday.

While his team failed to reach any great heights in terms of their performance level at Shielfield Park, Lennon was gratified by the professional nature of a display which ensured their avoided any fresh cup tie embarrassment.

Lennon played for Celtic when they were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Clyde at the same stage six years ago before managing the club for their stunning semi-final loss to Ross County at Hampden last season.

"I've been on the wrong end of one or two upsets down the years and they come back to haunt you," said Lennon. "We knew the potential danger of this tie and you also saw quite a few upsets in the FA Cup in England this weekend, so I'm just glad to get through.

"It was solid, not spectacular, but we expected that to be the case. With the pitch as hard as it was, we had to try and play the game in the Berwick third of the pitch and not over-complicate things. We got another clean sheet, we were comfortable in the game, so overall I'm quite pleased.

"Berwick were well organised and compact so we thought the areas we would get a bit of joy would be out wide. Scott Brown came on and gave us that wee bit extra spark and at 2-0 the game could then have been three or four. It's another clean sheet and all you can do is get into the next round of the cup competitions and we've done that.

"It was a test of character for the players, going from one spectrum of the game at Ibrox last week to another here. It was all about getting the attitude right today, even if the quality wasn't great sometimes."

Lennon was content with Freddie Ljungberg's contribution as he made his debut for Celtic, lasting 64 minutes before being replaced by Scott Brown. "It was difficult for him to make an impact, because it was congested in midfield," said Lennon.

"But getting an hour or so under his belt will have done him good and he'll have plenty of opportunuties to show what he can do in the weeks ahead."

The only negative aspect of the afternoon for Lennon was a hamstring injury sustained in the first half by Georgios Samaras. The Greek international, whose match-winning display against Rangers seven days earlier has led many to re-appraise his value to Celtic, will be assessed today. "We don't think it was as bad as first feared," said Lennon. "It may be more of a cramping injury. We're hoping he has just tweaked his hamstring, rather than torn it."

Lennon, who said there has been no progress in Celtic's bid to sign Norwegian striker Erik Huseklepp from Brann Bergen, dismissed suggestions Marc Crosas has played his last game for the club after the Spanish midfielder threw his jersey to the travelling supporters at full-time yesterday. "I'm not aware of anything," said Lennon."We are happy with Marc, he is a good team-mate and good around the club. He will figure in our team if he stays."

MAN OF THE MATCH

Beram Kayal (Celtic)

The Israeli midfielder built on an impressive display in last week's Old Firm match and edged Berwick's excellent David Greenhill as the most eye-catching player at Shielfield.