Andreas Hinkel backs Neil Lennon for Celtic job

CELTIC defender Andreas Hinkel has joined the growing band of Parkhead players backing Neil Lennon to be given the manager's role on a permanent basis.

• Andreas Hinkel

Tuesday night's victory over Rangers maintained Lennon's 100% Clydesdale Bank Premier League record since he was named interim boss at the end of March.

Scott Brown was reported today as backing the Irishman's appointment on a full-time basis.

Germany international Hinkel insists the former Hoops captain has done enough to be retained next season.

"I've gone through a few big changes in my time here and even more so just in this season," said the 28-year-old.

"I think a lot of this year's problems have been down to losing good players and having injuries at the wrong times.

"But Neil is bringing us back to the winning habit and you can say he definitely deserves a longer chance in the job.

"It's tough to keep going when there is so much bad news and the Scottish Cup defeat to Ross County was awful.

"I hope I never have to experience seasons like this again but it feels we are moving in the right direction at the moment."

Hinkel hopes Lennon does not repeat the mass cull performed by predecessor Tony Mowbray.

He said: "Not winning any trophy this season has put everyone's future in doubt but those things are for people higher up to decide. Nobody will forget Ross County but we have to move on and show we are over it.

"Lenny has the right spirit to help us do that but maybe making too many big changes is not the way – the last manager tried that in January and it didn't work."