LENNY PROMISES ‘RIGHT GOING OVER’

NEIL LENNON reckons comeback striker Leigh Griffiths could have claimed a hat-trick in the champions’ 2-0 win over Ross County at Parkhead last night.

The hitman made a rare start against the club’s Betfred League Cup conquerors and this time there was no chance of a sensational result.

Griffiths was lively throughout until he was replaced in the 81st minute by Albian Ajeti who didn’t have time to add to his five strikes since his £5million summer arrival from West Ham, the last coming in the 3-0 victory over Hibs in September.

David Turnbull netted the first in the 24th minute after some fabulous work and service from Jeremie Frimpong on the right and then there was a procession of misses – with Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard the main culprits.

Gaffer Lennon, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “I thought we played really well and we could’ve won the game by a lot more. It was a very good team performance all-round and I’m delighted.

“I thought Jeremie Frimpong had an excellent game and was a real threat down the right. It was a good finish from David Turnbull and it was nice to be a goal up in the first-half. It was a great second goal, but we missed some great chances after the interval.

“Mikey Johnston came close, as well, but they got a good block. Leigh Griffiths had a couple of great chances to get a hat-trick and Odsonne Edouard had the ball stuck under his feet a little bit.

“I’m pleased with the quality of chances we created. They were very good and if we keep playing like that we’re going to give somebody a right good going over.”

A satisfied Lennon, whose men go to Hamilton for their 3pm Boxing Day confrontation, added: “Getting the level of performance and the wins is the aim. We’re just taking it game by game and not getting carried away.

“I’m very pleased with the performance and the quality of the performance, as well. It was comfortable and a really good three points.”

The Hoops manager would have been impressed, too, with the attitude and strength displayed by his players, especially after a gruelling Scottish Cup Final against Hearts on Sunday that was forced to go to extra-time and penalty-kicks.

There were no signs of fatigue which augurs well for the games against Accies and

Dundee United before the trip to Ibrox on January 2 where a win is a must.

* TURNBULL, GRIFF ON TARGET AS HOOPS KEEP FOCUS