Celtic fan James McAvoy starstruck by Neil Lennon

FILTH actor James McAvoy has told he was so starstruck after spotting Celtic manager Neil Lennon that he stopped his car in the middle of the street.

Actor James McAvoy at the premiere of Filth. Picture: HeMedia

The star saw Lennon out walking with his family in Glasgow’s west end when he was staying there while filming his latest movie Filth.

McAvoy brought his car to a halt and jumped out despite having his actress wife Anne-Marie Duff in tow.

The Glaswegian actor and Celtic fan said he had an urge to speak to Lennon.

However, the 34-year-old got stage fright at the last minute and just ended up shouting words of encouragement to the Parkhead boss before driving off.

He said: “It’s amazing what Neil Lennon has done.

“When we were making Filth I was staying in the west end of Glasgow and we were driving home one day and I suddenly stopped the car.

“My wife said ‘What are you stopping the car for?’

“Neil was walking down the street with his family.

“Just before I opened my mouth I thought, he doesn’t want to be bothered, so I shouted ‘Neil! Love what you’re doing mate’ and then got back in the car and drove away.

“I thought he must get it all the time and I didn’t want to bother him.

“When Neil took over I was really pleased. The first day I found out he was appointed I thought, this is going to be brilliant.

“I love the way he carries himself.”

McAvoy, who was brought up in Drumchapel, Glasgow, also told how he keeps track of Celtic results despite flying all over the world filming.

He added: “The internet is amazing, but generally wherever you go, you’ll find a Celtic supporters club, or you’ll find a bar somewhere that’s showing the game.

“For example, I found a wee bar in Montreal that had about 60 screens and they showed games from all over the world so that was a nice place.

“I keep up to date through the various news channels and the Celtic website as well.”

McAvoy has previously said his dream role would be to play Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone in a biopic of his life.

In Filth, which is based on Scots author Irvine Welsh’s book, he plays corrupt Edinburgh policeman Bruce Robertson.

The film had its premiere in Scotland this week and was released nationwide on Friday.

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