‘IT IS NOT THE TIME TO BE OVER-CRITICAL,’ LENNY

NEIL LENNON saw the opportunity of going eight points ahead of Steven Gerrard’s side blown in a dreadful and sloppy performance from the champions.

They lost their 100 per cent home domestic record as they toppled to an undistinguished 2-1 defeat which also included a squandered penalty-kick by Ryan Christie.

The Hoops boss insists the loss will not have a psychological impact on him or his players as they prepare for the mid-winter break two points in front of the Ibrox outfit who have a match in hand.

Lennon, however, did admit it is “game on” in the title race.

It was the team’s first home league defeat since a loss 1-0 to Aberdeen in May 2018 when the flag had already been won.

Nikola Katic’s header from a left-wing corner-kick in the 56th minute was enough to secure the three points for the visitors after Odsonne Edouard had cancelled out Ryan Kent’s opener.

Lennon played down the significance of the result and told Sky Sports News: “We didn’t deserve to lose it, we didn’t deserve to win it. The second goal was poor, a free header in our box.

“You are chasing the game, we had some good chances, one off the line, we missed a penalty and they are big moments. But, overall, we didn’t play well enough.

“There is a break for three weeks now. It just means it is game on.”

He added: “If Rangers win their game in hand they will have a one-point cushion. There is nothing in it. It’s a test of character now which is good. It is not the time to be over-critical.

“We have lost the game, but there is plenty to play for and we have time to think on it.”