lennon takes positives from sunderland trip

Mark Henderson
ALTHOUGH disappointed to see his reserve side lose 2-1 to Sunderland on Tuesday, Neil Lennon was keen to stress the positive aspects of their performance.

The Celtic XI, which featured a mix of first-team players and youngsters from the U19 squad, ran the Premier League side close at their Academy of Light training facility, but were eventually undone by a late winner from the Black Cats. 

The Celtic coach said: “I was disappointed with the result as we have been on a decent run in the last few months. The performance was a bit scratchy. We didn’t have control in any period of the game, which is not like us.

“As usual, their application and attitude were good, but their quality at times was a just bit lacking, and defensively we were caught square at times with the movement of the centre-forwards.

“But then you look at the other side of things. Charlie Grant got an hour under his belt, Ki Sung Yueng got 70 minutes and Mark Wilson got 90, so the first-team squad members got some football under their belts.” 

He added: “You look at the result and think we have not done as well, but we did create some good chances.

“And what pleases me about this team is that they always have a go and they are never short of chances while the Sunderland goalkeeper made some great saves and played really well for them.

“But we will have a look at the DVD and see where we went wrong and see how we can improve.”

The Hoops went behind after 15 minutes, but pulled level with a tremendous strike from Paul McGowan around the 40-minute mark.

The forward has been in superb form of late, and Lennon was full of praise for his commitment and high standards of performances.

“Paul scored a wonder goal,” he said. “There was some nice set-up play by Paul Caddis and then Paul volleyed the ball right into the top corner.

“And that was indicative of his performances all season for us. He has been terrific and his level of consistency has been very impressive so he is now knocking on the door of the first-team squad.

“Paul just loves playing football and training. He just improved immensely this season and has been a real leader for the team and the majority of the good things we have done this year have come through him.”

CELTIC (4-5-1) Cervi, Wilson, D Gallagher (G Gallagher 70), Tomlie, Kurakins; Fitzharris (Keatings 65), Ki (Vallers 70), Grant (Towell 60), Slane (Johnston 75) Caddis; McGowan.
Not used: Giordano