CELTIC overcame Partick Thistle 2-1 at Firhill tonight (Saturday) to progress to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. Despite the tight margin, Neil Lennon praised a dominant performance and singled out goalscorer Leigh Griffiths for praise.

“We were very good, it was a very good start and we gave a dominant performance,” said the Irishman. “I don’t think the scoreline reflected our dominance in the game. I was really disappointed with the penalty decision at the end. However, we played vibrantly. We changed the shape of the team, and there was good intensity to our play.

“I’m delighted for Leigh. He looked sharp, scored a good striker’s goal and it’ll do him the power of good. Leigh is a great player, he’s a great goalscorer, he had a great week in Dubai and he looked sharp in training this week.

“He’s got more to come. He looked brighter tonight, he was trying to play off the shoulder, and I was pleased with his performance.”

Neil Lennon said he felt his side overplayed at times at Firhill, but, overall, he was delighted with the win. As well as Griffiths, the manager praised returning stars Jozo Simunovic and Daniel Arzani.

He added: “I was pleased with a lot of things today. Jozo looked like he handn’t been away, and it was good to get Patryk Klimala out there and Daniel Arzani as well. It’s great for him to be back in and around the group. You can see a smile on his face again, which is great.

“We know Jozo has had some injury issues, but when he’s played for me he’s been outstanding. And I thought he was very good tonight.”

Manager hails Leigh Griffiths as cup holders move into next round