Charlie Nicholas insists Neil Lennon can have 'no excuse' for Rangers defeat

Neil Lennon watched his side lose 2-0 to Rangers on Saturday. Picture: SNS

The reigning champions saw their preparations disrupted in the two weeks prior to kick-off with Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie, Nir Bitton and Hatem Abd Elhamed all sitting out due to reasons related to Covid-19. Christopher Jullien was also a late injury absence as youngster Stephen Welsh came into the back three for only his second start.

However, it was still a surprise to many how lifeless Lennon’s side appeared as they failed to register a single shot on target across the 90 minutes and didn’t attempt a shot at all in the second half as they went down to a Connor Goldson double.

The Parkhead manager, as well as pointing to the absentees, also fumed about a ‘mole’ in the Celtic dressing room who leaked the team prior to kick-off.

Nicholas reckons Lennon should only have himself to blame for the result due to his team selection, with Patryk Klimala starting up front instead of Leigh Griffiths.

He has, however, defended Lennon from angry supporters demanding the manager to be sacked following the loss.

Nicholas wrote in his Daily Express column: "It is ludicrous that some Hoops fans are saying Celtic should get rid of manager Neil Lennon in the wake of their defeat to Rangers.

"Lennon, however, has to take his share of the blame because he got his team selection wrong. I didn't think it was the right call to go with Patryk Klimala up front. I don't care if Leigh Griffiths was only 70 per cent fit - he should have started. Yes, they were missing a few players on Saturday. But that can't be used as an excuse.

"Lennon also can't blame the 2-0 defeat on the mole who leaked his line-up on the eve of the clash."

The pair clashed earlier this month after Lennon hit back at the former Sky Sports pundit for criticising Celtic’s signings, saying he would have "found fault” had the club signed Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nicholas responded by saying Lennon’s claims were “shambolic”.

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Charlie Nicholas insists Neil Lennon can have 'no excuse' for Rangers defeat - but defends boss over 'ludicrous' fans

Message from the editor

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