THE timing of the international break is frustrating after such a strong performance from Celtic in the 3-0 win over Motherwell. Rather than having the chance to follow up on the victory, they have a two-week wait before they can get back to work.

Neil Lennon admitted the timing of the international break was unfortunate but the Celtic manager said the period could yield plenty of positives for Celtic when they return to action against Ross County in Dingwall on Saturday, September 12.

“We would like to play games,” he said. “We’ve missed two games out of the programme, which was disruptive. We had a bad result on the Wednesday night, but we had a good performance against Motherwell.

“It’s never ideal to have a break, especially off the back of a good performance. The ones who are staying behind will get a bit more work. Hopefully, the ones who are playing for their country will get game time and come back injury-free.

“We need to get up to our best form. We have a two-week break now and that can help some of the players get a bit sharper and fitter. Once everyone is back we’ll assemble them and prepare for Ross County. At that stage, they’ll hopefully be in the match groove like they were in the second half against Motherwell.”

One player who Neil Lennon is confident will return to Lennoxtown for training in better condition is Albian Ajeti. The Celtic striker is on international duty with Switzerland and is continuing to build his fitness after a long period without regular game time.

“He’s going to be very good,” said Neil Lennon. “He just needs to get fitter and conditioned. He’s had a long time out of playing regular football and then had a holiday before he came to us so in terms of his fitness levels, he’s down on that. The fans have seen cameos of what he’s going to bring to the team. He’s strong, technically good, intelligent and a very good finisher. For him to come on and score two goals already is a great start to his career.

“There’s more of that to come from him. He’s had two weeks now but he has to go away with Switzerland but we’ve made it clear that he needs more conditioning work. He’ll be assessed by them. Again, he comes on and scores a great goal and looks like a great player. He still has a bit of catching up in terms of fitness.”

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Celtic View Interview: Neil Lennon on the international break