NEIL Lennon praised his players following Wednesday night’s clinical 4-0 Premiership win over Motherwell at Fir Park. Looking ahead to Sunday’s Scottish Cup fifth round tie with Clyde at Broadwood, the manager said he’ll utilise his squad, but will nevertheless field a strong side.

The Irishman stressed that he and his players will respect their opponents, but will do everything they can to progress to the competition’s quarter-finals.

“Our win against Motherwell was a great performance against difficult opposition,” said Neil Lennon. “We negotiated it brilliantly and the football was superb. The goals were magnificent and I’m delighted with how we’re playing at the minute.

“Against Clyde this Sunday, we’ll make a few changes for sure. We don’t want to overdo it, but there are a few players bubbling under. Ryan Christie could do with a game, Elyounoussi could use some time on the pitch as well, but we’ll still field a strong team.

“At the moment, we’re just concentrating on ourselves, and the motivation and incentives are strong. We’re keeping calm and taking each game on its own merits.”

The manager again hailed the momentum of a squad on form, and had nothing but praise for Callum McGregor, Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and Jozo Simunovic, all of whom especially impressed against the Steelmen in midweek.

Looking ahead to Sunday's Scottish Cup tie, Neil Lennon said his side will approach the game like any other, play to win, and do what they can to progress to the next round.

He added: “Danny Lennon is a football man, he’s technically astute and will come with a game-plan. We’ll be wary. We’re not going to take it lightly. We’re the cup holders and we want to defend the trophy vigorously. We’ve got to make sure we’re focused, profession and do everything we can to get to the next round.”

Neil Lennon: We’ll field strong team against Clyde in Scottish Cup