Source: PA
I didn't question Hearts' desire - Lennon
Neil Lennon moved to ease the tension ahead of Wednesday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash against Hearts at Tynecastle by denying he had doubted the commitment of the Gorgie side during their 4-0 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.
The Celtic boss referred to the Light Blues' 5-0 win over Motherwell the week before they cruised past the Jambos to keep them one point clear of the Hoops with two games remaining, when he said: "What we are looking for is somebody to compete and give Rangers a game. There has not been much evidence of that in their previous two games."
Hearts boss Jim Jefferies accused Lennon of lacking respect but asked about his controversial comments after he had picked up the Clydesdale Bank Manager of the Month award for April at Celtic Park today, Lennon said: "You know they have been misinterpreted.
"You know I haven't accused anyone of not competing and I haven't accused anyone of not trying.
"I made an observation on the basis of results. I said there there was little evidence in the 5-0 and 4-0 defeat, but that's not an accusation, that's more of an observation."
He added: "I'm not the one misinterpreting my quotes. I think it's irresponsible. The people who asked Jim at his press conference knew and were trying to get a reaction from Jim. They were not being accurate with their questions."
