NEIL Lennon was delighted to see his side continue their winning start in the league with a win away to Hamilton in the first game back after the international break.

Celtic made it five wins from five in the league after defeating Hamilton 1-0 at New Douglas Park. Mohamed Elyounoussi made an impact on his debut as the Norwegian international set up James Forrest’s seventh goal of the season shortly after kick-off.

Hamilton’s deep defensive set-up made it difficult for Celtic to extend their lead but the champion’s dominance was clear throughout the game and they were unfortunate not to add more goals with Forrest nearly scoring a second.

Speaking to the Celtic website after the game Neil Lennon reflected on his side’s performance in their first game back in two weeks.

“I’m delighted, we dominated the game from start to finish,” said Lennon. “Obviously when you get the early goal you’re thinking it could be more but I thought first half we were outstanding at times. In the second half we hit the bar and you always need that second goal to put a gloss on the score line and reflect the performance.

“The pitch was very dry and sticky which made it difficult to play the kind of flowing football we want to play so it’s a brilliant win, an absolutely brilliant win off the back of a two week break. That’s five wins out of five in the league and I’ve been told that’s the first time that’s happened in a while so you can see how difficult that is to do.”

Celtic caught the home side cold with the early goal and it proved crucial given the defensive set-up of Brian Rice’s team during the remainder of the 90 minutes. Neil Lennon reflected on the significance of the start and praised Elyounoussi for his impressive debut.

“It was really important we made a good start and we did that,” said the Irishman. “It was a great goal, great flowing move and there was a lot of that in the first half. We didn’t work the goalkeeper enough for my liking.

“Jamesy was a constant threat all day. He hit the bar and if that went in the game would have been a lot more comfortable than it was. In the end it felt very comfortable, I don’t remember Fraser or my defence having any anxiety at all today.

“You have to remember Hamilton are motivated, they’re playing a big team and want to show what they can do. They had two blocks of five and four to break down and they made it very difficult. It takes two teams to make a game at times.

“I’m delighted with Mo. He made a really good impact, he was nice and composed and set up the goal. It’s a great start for him and I’m delighted for him. He’s had a long time out of the game where he’s been in and out of the Southampton team so hopefully that’ll settle him and he feels part of a really good squad now.”

Neil Lennon praises Celtic's dominance in Hamilton win