NEIL Lennon hailed a confident and comprehensive performance as Celtic swept Hearts aside 3-1 at Paradise today (Sunday). The manager was doubly impressed, given his side’s midweek exertions against AIK in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off tie.

“It was outstanding,” said the manager after the match. “Under the circumstances it’s as big a performance we’ve had. We scored three fantastic goals and then were disappointed to lose the goal through a penalty.”

With 15 goals in just three league games so far under their belt, the Scottish champions have started the 2019/20 campaign with flair, and the manager said today’s win sets his side up well for the European return leg on the road this Thursday.

On the Hearts win, Neil Lennon hailed the individual efforts of striker Bayo and goalkeeper Fraser Forster – both of whom recorded their first competitive start for the Hoops at Paradise this afternoon.

He added: “Bayo can be absolutely delighted with his performance today. He’s been injured and had a bad hamstrung rupture. He had a decent pre-season and then got injured again. He’s had to be patient, but he had a chance to show what he’s got today and he excelled.

“Fraser did well when he came out. He saved a penalty, and we were maybe a bit slow with the clearance. Fraser isn’t registered for Thursday night, but I wanted to give him some game-time as well.

“The tie in Stockholm isn’t over and we know we have a job to do. We’ve got a big game at the weekend too, and we always keep everything in perspective. I’m delighted with the performance today and we could have had a few more goals against a well-organised side.

“It’s away from home. It’ll be difficult but I want us to create opportunities to score. We know what is at stake and we know what we need to do.”

Manager hails outstanding league win after Euro clash