Manager hails 'fantastic' response

Manager hails 'fantastic' response

By: Mark Henderson on 31 Oct, 2012 10:22

NEIL Lennon praised his players´ attitude and character after they bounced back from the disappointing SPL defeat to Kilmarnock with an impressive 5-0 demolition of St Johnstone in the Scottish Communities League Cup quarter-final.
 
Having beaten Celtic in the league earlier this season, and in the midst of a fine run of form, the Perth Saints were expected to provide a tough test in Paradise.
 
However, they were simply overwhelmed by a purposeful Hoops side whose determination and work-rate was matched by some scintillating, attacking football.
 
The outstanding Kris Commons struck a superb hat-trick and Gary Hooper and Charlie Mulgrew were also on target as Celtic booked their place in the last-four of the competition.
 
"I got everything I wanted," said the manager. " It was a fantastic response. It was a difficult couple of days for myself, scratching my head as to where that performance came from but we were back to our best and some of the football and the pace they played at was of a very high order.
 
"It was a big game, St Johnstone were going very well so to win the game so emphatically was testament to the quality of the players and their attitude.
 
"We moved the ball around quickly, we were aggressive in our pressing and tackling and that is the sort of team I want to see week-in, week-out.
 
And the Hoops boss is now expecting his charges to maintain those same high standards over the coming weeks as Celtic gear-up for some difficult fixtures.
 
"I enjoyed watching the team, and I hope that is a marker for a concerted period of good performances, that is what I am demanding from the team," he added.