Neil Lennon's smile masks an aching to be given Celtic job

Celtic's interim manager is unable to shake off his concern that he may be just one more poor result away from failing to persuade Dermot Desmond to hand him the post on a permanent basis. Lennon today goes in search of a sixth successive SPL victory since replacing Tony Mowbray at the end of March. It has been Celtic's most consistent run of league form this season by a distance with last Sunday's 2-0 win at Dundee United securing second place in the table and entry to the Champions League qualifiers. But as satisfied as he is with the SPL results under his command, Lennon remains acutely aware that the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat against Ross County in the midst of that sequence still casts a threatening shadow over his longer-term job prospects at the club.

It is why he is wary of widespread speculation that victory in next Tuesday night's final Old Firm fixture of the campaign at Celtic Park may be enough to ensure he remains in the technical area at the start of next season.

While Lennon recognises the significance of any Old Firm victory, he regards today's home fixture against Motherwell and next weekend's trip to Hearts in the final round of SPL matches as equally important.

"I'm always one result away from weakening my position, whether it be Motherwell or Rangers we are playing," said Lennon. "You are talking about one game again. It was the same last week at Dundee United. It was a big test, would I come through it? All that sort of stuff was being asked.

"Rangers is THE game. It always is. But when you look at the league, Old Firm games look after themselves. It is the results you get against the other clubs that really set out what lies ahead of you for the season. But, yeah, it is going to be like a cup final.

"I don't want to dwell on the Ross County result, but that possibly means there is now no margin for error for me. That was a chance for silverware, to get to a cup final at least, and the manner in which it turned out was damaging. You can't hide from that."

The experience of the last five weeks, however, has only served to strengthen both Lennon's desire for the job and his conviction that he is capable of making a success of it.

"Of course I want it even more now," he agreed. "It's been a brilliant few weeks. I've thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. I'm alright with it, I'm comfortable with it. I don't think it is beyond me. I'm not scared of it.

"I wouldn't say it is bigger than I thought it was. But you get a better idea of things. Trying to manage your time is important. There are a lot of issues to deal with other than the football team. I like delegating people to deal with things. I thoroughly enjoy it, I'm really immersed in it. I have to say I have relished every minute so far.

"I'm nothing but pleased with our SPL form since I took over. I'm delighted with them, getting five wins in a row. I don't want to make a big deal about it, I just want to keep the momentum going if we can. We want to finish the season strongly and with a flourish.

"Obviously the Rangers game is in the background of this one, but I'm not taking my eyes off of Motherwell. I'm going to put a reasonably strong team out that I think will be able to compete and beat Motherwell at home.

"I'm pleased with the attitude and performance of the players, but I'm obviously not getting complacent."

Lennon has a positive and close relationship with Celtic's major shareholder Desmond and has already been involved in discussions over potential signing targets for next season. That, however, offers no guarantees he will be the manager in charge of them.

"What I will say about Dermot is that he said 'Look, I'll give you until the end of the season and then I'll make a decision'," he added. "That's all I can give you on that.

"We are targeting players for next season, I've spoken to Dermot, Peter Lawwell and John Park about that. You could possibly go for a big summer signing, or three or four to get the crowd interested. A couple of leaders, a couple of winners. I'm pragmatic, but I do like an entertainer.

"I wouldn't call it a marquee signing, but if you get someone who captures the imagination, that's great. Robbie Keane did that, so whether it's a loan signing or a permanent signing, the club are capable financially of doing it."

Asked if he might consider remaining at Celtic under a new managerial appointment, Lennon replied: "I don't want to comment on that yet. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."