Lennon says he ‘enjoyed’ test of Celtic dip in form

The Celtic manager had contemplated the implications of defeat by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park a fortnight ago, as he made his way up the tunnel at the interval 3-0 down and with the prospect of falling 13 points behind Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Rangers.

However, an inspirational half-time team talk saw the visitors storm back for a point and, with St Mirren scoring a late equaliser against the champions at Ibrox, the pressure on the Irishman was alleviated.

Celtic have subsequently drawn 1-1 in their Europa League Group I game in Rennes and beaten Aberdeen 2-1 in the SPL before thrashing Hibernian 4-1 on Wednesday to book their place in the Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final.

Celtic remain ten points adrift of the Ibrox men but in much better fettle ahead of the visit of Hibs today in the SPL.

Lennon insists he thrived during his tricky period. “I’ve really enjoyed it, believe it or not,” he said. “It was a different period in my managerial career that I had to get through and I enjoyed that challenge. All managers get tested and it’s a question of your own character, how you handle it and how you get through it.

“I don’t really take notice of the criticism. I am aware of it. I don’t take it personally but you wouldn’t be a human being if it didn’t irk you a little bit.

“Results being the way they were, you are open to criticism but I knew that anyway.

“We started well against Kilmarnock and then we conceded three goals in ten or 15 minutes.

“That was a test for me and, on the back of less-than-great results previously, I was asking a lot of questions of myself. I got the response I was looking for at Kilmarnock and since then there has been a gradual improvement, not only in performances but in the spirit of the squad.”