‘MARVELLOUS,’ LENNY HAILS ANGE

NEIL LENNON has hailed the efforts of his successor Ange Postecoglou in turning around the fortunes of Celtic.

This time last year, the Parkhead club had seen any hopes of a historic tenth successive title blown in the midst of the wreckage of one of the most miserable campaigns in history.

At noon today, the Hoops have the opportunity to go six points clear at the top of the Premiership with just six games to go, including one against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s club at home after the split.

Lennon, who departed the club in February last year and is now gaffer at Cypriot outfit Omonia Nicosia, reckons the Hoops can take a massive step towards their tenth crown in 11 years in Govan this afternoon.

The Irishman said: “I always thought Celtic would improve, but Ange has done a marvellous job.

“He’s really had to do a lot of surgery on the squad, which was required, but it seems to have been seamless.

“He had a really good January and I really like how Ange comes across in the media.

“I think he’s pretty straight and I love the way that his team plays. The way that they handled the last Old Firm was fantastic.

“I don’t think anyone saw that performance coming.”

Lennon, speaking to talkSport, added: “For Gio, he probably got the approach wrong and I think both teams will be firmly set on a huge encounter.

“The importance of this game will have ramifications as the season goes on.”

Two goals from Reo Hatate and a typical opportunist effort from Liel Abada gave Postecoglou’s men a 3-0 win in February after his new-look team lost 1-0 at Ibrox in late August.

* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Ibrox this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.