Shaun Maloney will stay captain, says Neil Lennon

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has hailed the influence of Shaun Maloney after handing him the captain's armband for the 2-1 victory over Dundee United.

Maloney was a surprise choice for many to lead Celtic in the absence of Scott Brown, who is unlikely to return until mid-December after breaking a bone in his foot. But the 27-year-old forward helped Celtic produce a stirring display at Tannadice as Gary Hooper's late second goal allowed them to match Rangers' 100 per cent record in the SPL ahead of Sunday's Old Firm derby at Parkhead.

And Maloney will continue to lead the team out in the weeks ahead.

Lennon told the club`s official website: "It was a fantastic performance and it was a great attitude shown by Shaun and all of the players. My staff talked about it on Saturday night and we just thought Shaun knows the club so well and he's back to what we think is more or less his best. The maturity he's shown this year and the respect the players have for him made him the best choice.

"I wouldn't like to chop and change it so Shaun will remain captain for now."