CELTIC: CHAMPIONS
CELTIC’S legions of Donegal fans are celebrating in style in Glasgow as Neil Lennon’s team were presented with their 38th league title trophy today.
More than 5,000 fans from across Ireland made the trip to Paradise and were treated to a Celtic classic with a 4-0 win over St Johnstone.
And they heard the Hoops boss say he wants to stay – despite links to Everton in the media.
“Everton are a big club with a great history, but so are Celtic,” said the Armagh man.
“This club has given me everything, it’s given me my chance in management, it’s given me some of the greatest days of my life and I’ve got a great young team here, which we all want to progress.
“I’ve got a great belief in myself. So, if any opportunity came along further down the line, it wouldn’t faze me.
“But there’s not many jobs bigger than Celtic and there’s not many jobs under the scrutiny, analysis and opinion of a job like Celtic.”
The Hoops stamped their authority on proceedings today from the first kick of the ball and took the lead after just 60 seconds through Joe Ledley.
Playing with a purpose and intensity, the hosts doubled their advantage through Anthony Stokes before the break and James Forrest´s swept home number three shortly after the restart.
Fraser Wright´s late own goal was the final flourish on a sparkling showing, and ensured there was already a party atmosphere in the stadium before Scott Brown held the silverware aloft after the final whistle.
And the manager was pleased that his players had risen to the occasion by turning in a stylish display on the pitch.
“It was the most pleasing thing,” he said. “Obviously, it´s a very significant day when you pick the championship trophy up. We put a strong team out in preparation for the cup final and I felt we were fantastic.
“There was a flow and energy, and a freshness about the team. It was a very pleasing aspect of the day and then the celebrations afterwards.
“The home form since the turn of the year has been as good as I have seen in my time here. We have won 12 out of 12 and the least amount of goals we have scored was three against Hibs. Everything else has been four and there was even a six against Dundee United.
“So at home we have been playing some spectacular football. We know we need to tidy up away from home but the league is won now and we can really focus on the finishing the season with a cup final.”
There were memorable scenes after the trophy was held aloft by captain Scott Brown, with the players, manager and backroom staff all taking the acclaim of the Celtic faithful during a lap of honour.
“These are days you want to cherish and it´s important for the players appreciate what they have done as it goes by very quickly,” said the Hoops boss.
“It was just nice to walk around with the trophy. These sorts of moments live with you for a long time. It´s a special feeling. To win your country´s championship over 38 games is an achievement and one that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
“It’s better because it’s the next one, as it proves we are not a flash in the pan team. We we have a job to do and a responsibility to keep winning trophies. It´s part of the club´s DNA and do it in a certain way.”