Neil Lennon awaits Rangers after 'breathtaking' Celtic display

NEIL Lennon saw Celtic rejoin Rangers with a 100 per cent record at the top of the SPL yesterday after a "breathtaking" 2-1 win over Dundee United at Tannadice, then eagerly looked forward to Sunday's Old Firm clash.

Lennon, who was involved in an angry exchange with referee Dougie McDonald when the official gave Celtic a penalty with the score at 1-1 then changed his mind after consulting his assistant, said: "It was one of the best performances I've seen since I've been in charge in terms of attacking, quality football.

"I'm very proud of the team and despite a very controversial decision going against us, they never let their heads go down, we kept creating chances and we got what we deserved. Some of our stuff was breathtaking and I couldn't ask for any more (ahead of next week].

"I watched Rangers on Saturday and they were very impressive in the second half. Both teams have shown a tremendous level of consistency so far."

Gary Hooper, who scored both of Celtic's goals, claimed a penalty should have been awarded in the build-up to the Dusan Pernis incident when he appeared to be hauled back by Garry Kenneth.

He said: "I thought it was a penalty. The keeper got me first then the ball but the linesman said he just got the ball. It was a bad decision.

"There were two penalties. If I had gone down (after the challenge by Kenneth] it was a penalty and the second one was a penalty as well."

Hooper claims he has Rangers striker Kenny Miller in his sights.

The former Scunthorpe striker scored his second and third SPL goals of the season and is eight league goals behind his Old Firm rival. He said: "The target for me is to beat him (Miller]. The gaffer got me in to score goals."