Hibs manager Neil Lennon focuses on positives after defeat

Manager Neil Lennon watches from the stand after being sent from the dugout on Thursday. Picture: SNS.

Lennon’s managerial debut for the Leith side ended in defeat in midweek after goalkeeper Otso Virtanen’s costly error gifted Kamil Wilczek the only goal in the Europa League second qualifying round clash at Easter Road.

But Lennon, who was sent to the stand for protesting after Jason Cummings’ goal was ruled offside, saw enough to give him hope that they can set up a clash against Hertha Berlin in the next round.

He said: “There was rustiness there and we’re lacking sharpness but some of our approach play was brilliant and we scored a brilliant goal that should have been given. I thought we matched them physically for the game, which surprised me. The will and desire in the team was fantastic. I did think we’d wilt but we didn’t, we were the ones trying to put our foot on the pedal. We just lacked a wee bit of sharpness in the final third but overall I was pleased.”