NEIL Lennon is looking for his team to continue the impressive form they showed at the weekend, as they returned from the international break to record a 5-0 victory over Ross County, when they take on St Mirren this Wednesday night.

The trip to Paisley is one of the two games in hand the Scottish champions have in the Premiership, and there is a determination within the squad to get the win that would see them reduce the gap at the top of the table.

The Celtic manager knows, however, that St Mirren will be difficult opponents, as has proved to be the case and is anticipating a tough test, with Jim Goodwin’s side looking to bounce back from their 3-0 home defeat against Hibernian on Saturday.

That game saw the Paisley side having to field an emergency goalkeeper, with all three of their regular goalkeepers ruled out and having to self-isolate.

Speaking ahead of the midweek match, Neil Lennon said:” It’s important to win the game, first and foremost, no matter what stage of the season it is, but it’s one of our games in hand so it’s important we maximise the opportunity and take the three points.

“St Mirren have had their troubles over the past week so I think it’s a question of Jim trying to refocus again after what’s been a difficult week for them. It wasn’t a great result for them over the weekend but I’m sure he’ll be looking for a better response. He was pleased with the performance but not the scoreline. We’ve always found it pretty tough to play there and it’s a tight pitch.

“However, we got a positive result there on Boxing Day last year and I’m just looking for us to build on a very good win at the weekend. There were better levels of performance from us, and we’re excited about the games coming up now.”

Celtic’s goals against Ross County came from five different goalscorers, with Shane Duffy netting on his debut. And the Hoops boss dismissed criticism over the player’s move to Celtic from former Republic of Ireland internationalist, Gary Breen, who was disparaging of Scottish football.

“That’s just someone that doesn’t know the game up here,” said Neil Lennon. “I can give you a list as long as your arm of players that have come to Scotland, thrived, gone on to better things or have had a great career while they’ve been here.

“I think Gary’s comments are totally unnecessary, unfounded – there’s no substance to them whatsoever – and completely wrong.

“I think this will be great for Shane’s career, I think it will be great for his profile and it will make him a better player, and that means a better player for Ireland as well. He had a great debut, and he got better as the game went on, so he should take a lot of confidence from that and everyone was delighted for him, obviously.”

Neil Lennon: Three points are our priority in Paisley