Glasgow Celtic Supporters Thread
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pokeraldo7
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noelyf
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Here it is again hill from another angle :) :celtic flag:
[youtube]e9SUrkQdhvU[/youtube]
pokeraldo7
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noelyf
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St Johnstone 0-1 Celtic
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Beram Kayal's first Celtic goal was enough to beat St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park and take the Hoops five points clear of Rangers at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
The Hoops midfielder, signed from Maccabi Haifa last summer, struck in added time in the first half to give Neil Lennon's side a deserved interval lead which they never looked like losing.
Saints survived a controversial penalty claim in the 85th minute when substitute Michael Duberry appeared to handle the ball twice in the box as he lay on the ground but referee Iain Brines surprisingly took no action.
Had the home side somehow managed to grab an equaliser no doubt more would have been made of that decision but as it was Celtic saw the game out and put pressure on to the Huns who play Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Wednesday night.
Celtic boss Lennon, who returned to the dugout for the first time following a five-match touchline ban, took the acclaim of the travelling support at the end realising his side are again in the driving seat in the title race.
Neil Lennon had earlier sprung a surprise by naming Daryl Murphy in his side.
The burly Irish striker had not featured since 1 February at Aberdeen but was paired with Georgios Samaras in attack as Celtic tried to overcome a poor playing surface by adopting a more direct approach.
Celtic skipper Scott Brown returned to midfield while Mark Wilson came back in at right back, both having been rested for the win over St Mirren at the weekend.
Saints boss Derek McInnes had one eye on Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final with Motherwell at Hampden when he named his side, leaving key players Duberry and Chris Millar on the bench.
Rather bizarrely, moments after the game began referee Brines had to call a halt when several balls bounced on to the pitch after coming from outside the stadium, as Celtic fans held up banners protesting about the six o'clock kick-off.
Murphy set up Samaras a couple of times in the early stages with headers but the Greek striker failed to take advantage.
However, in the 10th minute Saints keeper Graeme Smith made a decent save down at his right-hand post from Kris Commons' free-kick, awarded when Graham Gartland fouled Murphy.
Six minutes later, as the visitors pressed again, Commons volleyed over the bar from distance with Smith out of his goal after the keeper had come out to punch clear, before making a save from a Samaras header.
The visitors were firmly in control in the 25th minute and Murphy should have scored with a free header from a Charlie Mulgrew corner but the former Sunderland striker somehow missed the target from six yards.
On the half-hour mark Samaras had a great chance when he was set up by Brown inside the box but Smith made a good block from the former Manchester City striker's side-footed effort.
But there was to be a sting in the tail for the Saints just as they believed they had survived the first 45 minutes. In the first minute of added time Brown flicked the ball on to Kayal who got the break of the ball inside the box before he knocked it past Smith with the outside of his foot.
Kayal's goal had changed the complexion of the game and St Johnstone looked a little more urgent at the start of the second half.
McDiarmid Park midfielder Murray Davidson was replaced in the 50th minute by Chris Millar but the SPL leaders retained their grip on the game.
The tempo dipped for a spell with neither side offering much in attack and neither keeper was seeing much action although Smith made a comfortable save from Commons' long-distance effort in the 62nd minute.
A minute later at the other end, Fraser Forster made a fine save from Liam Craig's 25-yard drive, the Celtic keeper diving to his left to push the shot round the post for a corner which came to nothing, before Duberry replaced Saints defender Dave Mackay.
St Johnstone's Danny Grainger was booked following his late challenge on Mark Wilson before Hoops' defender Emilio Izaguirre picked up a caution for catching Cleveland Taylor.
There was a moment of controversy five minutes from the end Duberry fell on the by-line under pressure from Samaras and appeared to grab the ball twice.
However, Brines, looking bemused, waving play on as the Celtic players and supporters roared for what looked to be an obvious penalty.
Scott Brown cracked the bar with a drive in the 88th minute and from the rebound, Shaun Maloney, on for Commons, headed towards goal but Smith got back to claw the ball away on the line but the second goal was not needed.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Beram Kayal's first Celtic goal was enough to beat St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park and take the Hoops five points clear of Rangers at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
The Hoops midfielder, signed from Maccabi Haifa last summer, struck in added time in the first half to give Neil Lennon's side a deserved interval lead which they never looked like losing.
Saints survived a controversial penalty claim in the 85th minute when substitute Michael Duberry appeared to handle the ball twice in the box as he lay on the ground but referee Iain Brines surprisingly took no action.
Had the home side somehow managed to grab an equaliser no doubt more would have been made of that decision but as it was Celtic saw the game out and put pressure on to the Huns who play Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Wednesday night.
Celtic boss Lennon, who returned to the dugout for the first time following a five-match touchline ban, took the acclaim of the travelling support at the end realising his side are again in the driving seat in the title race.
Neil Lennon had earlier sprung a surprise by naming Daryl Murphy in his side.
The burly Irish striker had not featured since 1 February at Aberdeen but was paired with Georgios Samaras in attack as Celtic tried to overcome a poor playing surface by adopting a more direct approach.
Celtic skipper Scott Brown returned to midfield while Mark Wilson came back in at right back, both having been rested for the win over St Mirren at the weekend.
Saints boss Derek McInnes had one eye on Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final with Motherwell at Hampden when he named his side, leaving key players Duberry and Chris Millar on the bench.
Rather bizarrely, moments after the game began referee Brines had to call a halt when several balls bounced on to the pitch after coming from outside the stadium, as Celtic fans held up banners protesting about the six o'clock kick-off.
Murphy set up Samaras a couple of times in the early stages with headers but the Greek striker failed to take advantage.
However, in the 10th minute Saints keeper Graeme Smith made a decent save down at his right-hand post from Kris Commons' free-kick, awarded when Graham Gartland fouled Murphy.
Six minutes later, as the visitors pressed again, Commons volleyed over the bar from distance with Smith out of his goal after the keeper had come out to punch clear, before making a save from a Samaras header.
The visitors were firmly in control in the 25th minute and Murphy should have scored with a free header from a Charlie Mulgrew corner but the former Sunderland striker somehow missed the target from six yards.
On the half-hour mark Samaras had a great chance when he was set up by Brown inside the box but Smith made a good block from the former Manchester City striker's side-footed effort.
But there was to be a sting in the tail for the Saints just as they believed they had survived the first 45 minutes. In the first minute of added time Brown flicked the ball on to Kayal who got the break of the ball inside the box before he knocked it past Smith with the outside of his foot.
Kayal's goal had changed the complexion of the game and St Johnstone looked a little more urgent at the start of the second half.
McDiarmid Park midfielder Murray Davidson was replaced in the 50th minute by Chris Millar but the SPL leaders retained their grip on the game.
The tempo dipped for a spell with neither side offering much in attack and neither keeper was seeing much action although Smith made a comfortable save from Commons' long-distance effort in the 62nd minute.
A minute later at the other end, Fraser Forster made a fine save from Liam Craig's 25-yard drive, the Celtic keeper diving to his left to push the shot round the post for a corner which came to nothing, before Duberry replaced Saints defender Dave Mackay.
St Johnstone's Danny Grainger was booked following his late challenge on Mark Wilson before Hoops' defender Emilio Izaguirre picked up a caution for catching Cleveland Taylor.
There was a moment of controversy five minutes from the end Duberry fell on the by-line under pressure from Samaras and appeared to grab the ball twice.
However, Brines, looking bemused, waving play on as the Celtic players and supporters roared for what looked to be an obvious penalty.
Scott Brown cracked the bar with a drive in the 88th minute and from the rebound, Shaun Maloney, on for Commons, headed towards goal but Smith got back to claw the ball away on the line but the second goal was not needed.
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noelyf
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SFA Prove they are biased.
Celtic's legal advisor has slammed the Scottish Football Association for being 'biased' towards rival club Rangers.
Paul McBride QC made the claim after Rangers assistant Ally McCoist won his appeal against a touchline ban, and Rangers players Madjid Bougherra and El-Hadji Diouf avoided bans for misconduct after a fiery clash against their Old Firm rivals last month.
The charges relate to Rangers' 1-0 loss to Celtic on March 2 in a Scottish Cup fifth-round replay in which Bougherra and Diouf were sent off.
Bougherra tried to grab the referee's arm to stop him from issuing cards, while Diouf was sent off for dissent after the final whistle.
McCoist and Celtic manager Neil Lennon were involved in an ugly spat after the game, exchanging heated words before they had to be separated.
Neil Lennon received a four match ban for his part in the incident, and McBride, who represented the Celtic boss at his appeal hearing, said it was 'dishonest' of the SFA not to suspend the Rangers trio.
"The SFA are tonight officially the laughing stock of world football and they have been shown to be not merely dysfunctional and not merely dishonest but biased," McBride told the BBC.
"Because McCoist, who undoubtedly said something that provoked a reaction from Neil Lennon that caused a four-match ban for him, has received no punishment at all."
"We know that Bougherra, who man-handled the referee not once but twice, doesn't get a ban."
"We know that El-Hadji Diouf who is involved in an altercation in the tunnel with a Celtic physiotherapist refuses to leave the park and, given a red card and throws his top into the crowd against police advice isn't given a ban either."
"What is any sensible person to think of that set of affairs?"
"Frankly, anybody with the tiniest brain could only regard them as being biased and prejudiced."
Neil Lennon said McBride was merely voicing his opinion on the matter, although the Celtic boss - who returned to the dugout in Tuesday's 1-0 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park - found it odd he was the only one in the whole affair to be banned.
"I don't think Paul was speaking on behalf of the club," Lennon said. "That was his opinion and I value his opinion obviously, but he is not speaking on behalf of myself or the club."
"I don't want to make any more comment because I will end up in the stand or have a heavy fine."
"But if you think it is fair then a lot of people are burying their head in the sand on this one."
"I find it interesting that, after all the fall-out from that game, I am the only one who has been banned."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YChwV3RQmQ8&feature=player_embedded#at=74
Celtic's legal advisor has slammed the Scottish Football Association for being 'biased' towards rival club Rangers.
Paul McBride QC made the claim after Rangers assistant Ally McCoist won his appeal against a touchline ban, and Rangers players Madjid Bougherra and El-Hadji Diouf avoided bans for misconduct after a fiery clash against their Old Firm rivals last month.
The charges relate to Rangers' 1-0 loss to Celtic on March 2 in a Scottish Cup fifth-round replay in which Bougherra and Diouf were sent off.
Bougherra tried to grab the referee's arm to stop him from issuing cards, while Diouf was sent off for dissent after the final whistle.
McCoist and Celtic manager Neil Lennon were involved in an ugly spat after the game, exchanging heated words before they had to be separated.
Neil Lennon received a four match ban for his part in the incident, and McBride, who represented the Celtic boss at his appeal hearing, said it was 'dishonest' of the SFA not to suspend the Rangers trio.
"The SFA are tonight officially the laughing stock of world football and they have been shown to be not merely dysfunctional and not merely dishonest but biased," McBride told the BBC.
"Because McCoist, who undoubtedly said something that provoked a reaction from Neil Lennon that caused a four-match ban for him, has received no punishment at all."
"We know that Bougherra, who man-handled the referee not once but twice, doesn't get a ban."
"We know that El-Hadji Diouf who is involved in an altercation in the tunnel with a Celtic physiotherapist refuses to leave the park and, given a red card and throws his top into the crowd against police advice isn't given a ban either."
"What is any sensible person to think of that set of affairs?"
"Frankly, anybody with the tiniest brain could only regard them as being biased and prejudiced."
Neil Lennon said McBride was merely voicing his opinion on the matter, although the Celtic boss - who returned to the dugout in Tuesday's 1-0 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park - found it odd he was the only one in the whole affair to be banned.
"I don't think Paul was speaking on behalf of the club," Lennon said. "That was his opinion and I value his opinion obviously, but he is not speaking on behalf of myself or the club."
"I don't want to make any more comment because I will end up in the stand or have a heavy fine."
"But if you think it is fair then a lot of people are burying their head in the sand on this one."
"I find it interesting that, after all the fall-out from that game, I am the only one who has been banned."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YChwV3RQmQ8&feature=player_embedded#at=74
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noelyf
VIP Member
New date for 'Sombrero Sunday' ticket sale
By: Newsroom Staff on 15 Apr, 2011
THE John Kennedy Tribute Match on Sunday, May 22 has already generated a great deal of interest among supporters, with the return of many familiar faces – including former manager Martin O’Neill – adding to the appeal of the day.
Supporters please note that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the opening date for ticket sales has now changed to 9am on Wednesday, April 27.
The match at Celtic Park kicks off at 2pm and the Seville Select team will feature a host of stars from the incredible 2002/03 season including Chris Sutton and John Hartson, who will play alongside the current Celtic management team of Neil Lennon, Johan Mjallby and Alan Thompson.
And the big names aren’t restricted to the men on the pitch as none other than Martin O’Neill will be returning to Celtic Park to manage the Seville Select team.
Fans’ favourite and Celtic legend, Lubo Moravcik will also take part in the match and other former stars participating will be announced in due course.
John Kennedy said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to arrange this match. To have Martin O’Neill and many great former players agree to return to Celtic Park and play in this match is a huge honour for me.
“I have many memories from my time playing in the first team and I’m sure this day will be another day to remember.”
Neil Lennon added: “I’m delighted to take part in this match for John. It was incredibly sad that a player of John’s considerable talent had to retire at such a young age due to injury.
“However, it will be fantastic to play once again for Martin O’Neill and team up with many of my former team mates – in particular those I played with in Seville. I’m sure everyone who turns up on the day will have a fantastic time.”
Martin O’Neill said: "I am very much looking forward to returning to Celtic Park to take charge of the Seville Select team for the tribute match in aid of John Kennedy - a very talented young player who had incredible potential - unfortunately cut short by injury.
“It will be great to see so many familiar faces, although all slightly older and I'm sure it will be a fantastic day for all who come along."
Tickets will go on sale 9am on Wednesday, April 27 from the Celtic Ticket Office, online at the official Celtic website or by calling 0871 226 1888*.
Premium and corporate tickets will also go on sale the same day.
Proceeds of the game will be split equally between John Kennedy and Celtic Charity Fund.
*Calls cost up to 10p per minute telecoms provider dependent. Mobile and other provider charges may vary
Celtic Football Club
noelyf
VIP Member
Second-half goal blitz keeps double dream alive
By: Mark Henderson on 17 Apr, 2011 14:40
Scottish Cup semi-final
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Sunday, April 17, 2011
ABERDEEN…0
CELTIC…4
Mulgrew 48, Leldey 56, Commons 63, Maloney 84
CELTIC’S double dream remains firmly intact after a second-half demolition of Aberdeen secured their passage to the Scottish Cup final in May.
Following a goalless opening 45 minutes, in which the Dons’ Andrew Considine was dismissed and Anthony Stokes missed a penalty, the Hoops struck four times without reply through Charlie Mulgrew, Joe Ledley, Kris Commons and Shaun Maloney.
It was just reward for Lennon’s side, which showed three changes from the team which beat St Johnstone 1-0 on Tuesday night. Thomas Rogne, Anthony Stokes and Gary Hooper were all restored to the starting XI at the expense of Glenn Loovens, Daryl Murphy and Georgios Samaras.
The four meetings between the sides this season had produced 18 goals – with all but one coming from Celtic. And the early impressions seemed to indicate another entertaining contest.
Within the opening 60 seconds, the Hoops had manufactured the first effort on goal – Mulgrew firing a free-kick over from the angle of the box after Considine had hauled Gary Hooper to the ground.
Craig Brown’s men replied rapidly through a stinging low effort from Josh Magennis which Fraser Forster was unable to hold at his near post. Fortunately, Thomas Rogne was eventually able to tidy up.
While both sides were displaying plenty of attacking endeavour, Celtic’s were always more potent and incisive. The best of the chances were falling the way of Stokes. First his glancing header from Kris Commons’ excellent cross flew wide, before Jamie Langfield denied him at the near post after he had fastened on to Mark Wilson’s raking pass.
The opportunities continued unabated for the Irishman, his best undoubtedly coming in the 19th minute. Hooper had reacted first to Scott Brown’s threaded pass and when the Englishman burst into the box he was caught by Considine’s trailing leg.
The result was a red card for the Aberdeen defender and a penalty for the Hoops. However, Langfield sprang to his right to turn Stokes’ effort round the post.
He remained persistent in his quest, however, and a determined run down the left allowed him to rifle a left-foot shot on target, which Langfield did well to push away.
It was one-way traffic, yet the Dons did spiritedly muster up a response as Chris Maguire glanced Rob Milsom’s chip straight at Forster.
Celtic’s superiority was absolute at this stage but they were restricted to several dangerous deliveries from Emilio Izaguirre and a Kris Commons effort from distance before the break.
However, any ambitions Aberdeen had of progressing to the final were quickly erased as Celtic discovered their goalscoring touch at the start of the second-half to book their passage to the final.
Hooper had already forced Langfield into a smart stop after collecting Stokes’ return pass when Mulgrew made the breakthrough.
Kayal had been felled by Milsom 35 yards from goal. And the defender’s curling free-kick flew over the head of Stokes and nestled into the far corner of the net.
Only a brave diving challenge prevented Stokes sending another shot on target before Joe Ledley grabbed Celtic’s second minutes later. This time Stokes was the supplier, racing down the left and sending a low ball into the area for the Welshman, who swept the ball into the corner.
Aberdeen had no answer to the Hoops’ fluent attacks and it wasn’t long before Lennon’s men extended their advantage.
Stokes was first on to a long ball and was needlessly caught by Young as he neared the byline, leaving referee Willie Collum with little option other than to award the second penalty of the game. This time Commons took responsibility and he made no mistake, confidently finding the bottom corner.
The Scottish internationalist had another golden chance to double his tally minutes later when Stokes found him in space inside the box. But with only Langfield to beat, he was unable to keep his shot down.
With Celtic now coasting to victory, Lennon made three changes, sending on Maloney, McCourt and Majstorovic in the latter stages.
And it was Maloney who rounded off the scoring, and an impressive victory, smashing home from inside the six-yard box after Wilson’s low cut-back.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Forster; Wilson, Rogne, Mulgrew, Izaguirre; Brown, Ledley (Maloney 69) Kayal (McCourt 61) Commons, Stokes, Hooper (Majstorovic 79)
Not Used: Zaluska, Forrest
ABERDEEN (4-4-2) Langfield; Young (Vujadinovic 65) Considine, Diamond, Smith; (Magennis Blackman 61) Jack, Milsom, Aluko; Maguire, Vernon (Paton 78)
Not Used: Howard, Robertson
Website Man of the Match: Joe Ledley
Celtic Football Club
noelyf
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Manager: Players were excellent at Hampden
SUCCESSFULLY negotiating a semi-final is never an easy task but Celtic always looked in control of Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie with Aberdeen at Hampden.
Although the first-half finished goalless, the Hoops had dominated proceedings, aided in part by the sending-off of Dons defender, Andrew Considine, for tripping Gary Hooper in the box as he homed in on goal.
Anthony Stokes missed the resultant penalty but Celtic swiftly dispelled any doubts over the outcome after the break, scoring four times without reply to book their place in the final with Motherwell on May 21.
Assured and commanding, it was a performance which found favour with Neil Lennon.
"I know it was 10 men but sometimes 10 men are difficult to break down.
So I have to give credit to the players. They were excellent,” he said.
"Anthony Stokes could have had a couple in the first half and Gary Hooper started the second half brilliantly and, but for Jamie Langfield, we could have been more comfortable winners.
"We just needed to tidy up our final ball at times and move it quicker. We got our rewards for that and it set the tone for the rest of the game. “
With a spot booked in Scotland’s showpiece final, Celtic can now turn their focus back to the SPL and the closely-contested title fight with their city rivals.
Lennon’s men will visit Ibrox on Easter Sunday but before that they face an awkward trip to Kilmarnock on Wednesday night.
And the Hoops boss hopes the impressive display at Hampden will carry on into the league.
"We have something to look forward to at the end of the season but the main priority is the championship," he said.
"The cup final is an incentive but it's gone now. We are on a decent run and performances like that won't do us any harm.
"We have a big week now, Kilmarnock on Wednesday and obviously we are at Ibrox on Sunday.
"So we can put the cup final on the back burner and concentrate on what we really want."
noelyf
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noelyf
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Neil Lennon thanks Celtic fans for support
Neil Lennon has thanked the Celtic fans for their show of support during last night's win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Security was tightened around the Hoops boss ahead of the trip to Ayrshire as Strathclyde Police launched an investigation after parcels 'designed to cause harm' were sent to Lennon, Paul McBride QC and Labour politician Trish Godman.
The former Celtic skipper had bullets sent to him earlier in the season and a suspicious package addressed to him was intercepted.
In the 18th minute of the 4-0 win over Killie, Celtic fans applauded and chanted the manager's name, a gesture appreciated by the Irishman.
Some Celtic fans also held Lennon 18 shirts up as that was the shirt he wore as Celtic captain.
'It was a tremendous gesture and I can't thank the supporters enough for the following they gave us, not just me personally, but the team,' Lennon told the Huddle Online.
'It spurred the team on to a great performance and there seems to be a groundswell now of support and a unity between the squad and supporters as a whole.
'We are going to need that between now and the end of the season, but from a personal point of view, I really can't thank them enough.'
Focusing on Celtic's impressive performance over Kilmarnock, which took them to within a point of SPL leaders Rangers having played a game less, Lennon said: 'There was a great intensity to the way we played.
'Our approach to the game was very good and our quality of play throughout the whole 90 minutes was of a very high standard.'
Talking about this Sunday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox, the seventh of the season, he said.
'I have a target in mind that I have had since the start of the season - and that's to try to bring the championship back to the club - and I have not been swayed on that by any means.
'I am just totally committed to and concentrated on my players and how to keep them in the best possible form between now and the end of May.'
Neil Lennon has thanked the Celtic fans for their show of support during last night's win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Security was tightened around the Hoops boss ahead of the trip to Ayrshire as Strathclyde Police launched an investigation after parcels 'designed to cause harm' were sent to Lennon, Paul McBride QC and Labour politician Trish Godman.
The former Celtic skipper had bullets sent to him earlier in the season and a suspicious package addressed to him was intercepted.
In the 18th minute of the 4-0 win over Killie, Celtic fans applauded and chanted the manager's name, a gesture appreciated by the Irishman.
Some Celtic fans also held Lennon 18 shirts up as that was the shirt he wore as Celtic captain.
'It was a tremendous gesture and I can't thank the supporters enough for the following they gave us, not just me personally, but the team,' Lennon told the Huddle Online.
'It spurred the team on to a great performance and there seems to be a groundswell now of support and a unity between the squad and supporters as a whole.
'We are going to need that between now and the end of the season, but from a personal point of view, I really can't thank them enough.'
Focusing on Celtic's impressive performance over Kilmarnock, which took them to within a point of SPL leaders Rangers having played a game less, Lennon said: 'There was a great intensity to the way we played.
'Our approach to the game was very good and our quality of play throughout the whole 90 minutes was of a very high standard.'
Talking about this Sunday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox, the seventh of the season, he said.
'I have a target in mind that I have had since the start of the season - and that's to try to bring the championship back to the club - and I have not been swayed on that by any means.
'I am just totally committed to and concentrated on my players and how to keep them in the best possible form between now and the end of May.'
noelyf
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Manager: Players know what is at stake
By: Mark Henderson on 22 Apr, 2011
JOCK Stein once famously remarked, in response to a reporter’s question, that ‘only a fool’ would try and predict the outcome of a Glasgow derby.
Predictably, the same lines of enquiry were put before Neil Lennon ahead of the final meeting of the sides this season at Ibrox on Sunday.
And from his vast experience of the fixture as a player and from the dugout, the Irishman knows that following the approach of Celtic’s greatest manager is a wise strategy.
However, with so much at stake in the title race, one thing he could guarantee was his players will be determined to perform well and extract three vital points.
“We have played very well predominately in the majority of the Glasgow derby games,” said Lennon.
“The players know what is at stake now. They were totally inexperienced going into the season regarding derby games now they have six under their belts so they have good experience now.
“And they have played at Ibrox a couple of times and played very, very well. But every Glasgow derby game is different. I have said that all along.
“They are impossible to predict. I don’t think it will be a title decider by any stretch of the imagination– there is still a lot of football to be played after it.
“But we want to go there and put on a good performance. I think the players want to do that and we want to do it, and I think the supporters want it as well.
“You can go back in history and look at Glasgow debry games towards the end of the season,” he added. “Did they decide the title? Some did and some didn’t.
“If Rangers win they will have a one point advantage and if we win and win our game in hand we can stretch that. So there is a lot of stake for both teams. “
Celtic go into the game on the back of a five-game winning streak in all competitions and some excellent results, particularly in the past seven days, with both Aberdeen and Kilmarnock on the end of a 4-0 hammering.
Although pleased to see his side in such prolific form in front of goal, Lennon expects a tight match against the Ibrox outfit. He knows maintaining concentration will be key.
“What we did on Wednesday, we played very well in the first-half, which we did against Hibs recently as well,” said the manager. “But we were able to carry it on into the second-half which was very pleasing to see.
“We played very well against Aberdeen in the second-half last Sunday as well, albeit they were down to 10 men.
“So we are playing well, we are scoring goals but I don’t think by any stretch of the imagination that Rangers will be open as Kilmarnock were.
“There won’t be much in it and it's a Glasgow derby away from home, we will need to be concentrated for the full 90 minutes.
“But we know the rewards are great at the end of it and we will talk to the players about that tomorrow and on Sunday morning."
Lennon has much to mull over the next 48 hours as he decides on the team to face the Ibrox side.
One of the players who will certainly be in his thoughts is Anthony Stokes. The Dubliner has started the last two games, playing a major role in both resounding victories.
He also got on the scoresheet against Kilmarnock on Wednesday night – his 19th goal for the club this season.
“He has always given me food for thought,” said the Hoops boss. “He played very well and I thought he played very well in the semi-final as well. So he is certainly in contention to start.
“I do have good options,” he added. “I have good players who are coming into really good form at the minute so it’s a dilemma of sorts but it’s a nice one to have."
In other team news, Glenn Loovens is back in contention for a place following a hamstring strain, while Shaun Maloney will be assessed on Saturday after picking up a thigh strain in training on Tuesday. Cha and Joe Ledley, however, will be definite absentees.
Celtic Football Club
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