Source: Team_Talk
Lennon focused on Tannadice clash
eil Lennon says his players have enough on their plates against Dundee United at Tannadice without looking ahead to the Old Firm game.[LNB] The Hoops look to make it eight SPL wins in succession before they turn their attention to the visit of their great rivals Rangers next week.[LNB]"I want our players to be totally focused on this game against Dundee United and not even think about next week," the Celtic boss said.[LNB]"It is important that we keep the momentum going and to do that we are going to have to beat a very good United team.[LNB]"They are a tough, very well-organised team who have put a couple of decent results together off the back of a good season last season and there is a level of confidence there.[LNB]"We went up there towards the end of last season and we had to play very well to beat them.[LNB]"I would expect us to have to do the exact same thing again.[LNB]"But I loved playing there and I love going there.[LNB]"I think the atmosphere at Tannadice is fantastic."[LNB]Gary Hooper will try to block out the prospect of his first Old Firm experience to focus on beating the Taysiders.[LNB]The 22-year-old striker, back in the fold after recovering from a calf injury which kept him out for almost six weeks at the start of the season, said: "It's in the back of your mind and everyone is going to be talking about it.[LNB]"But the main thing is Sunday against Dundee United, defending well getting three points and then we have all week to look forward to the Old Firm game.[LNB]"I'm not surprised that Celtic and Rangers have gone so many games unbeaten, they are very good teams.[LNB]"We have a very good team here, strong at defending and we can score goals.[LNB]"But all the teams step up a level to play Celtic and Rangers and we have to step up a level to beat them."[LNB]Lennon is happy that the goals are being shared about among his players this season as he continues to utilise his whole squad.[LNB]However, Hooper, who scored his first SPL goal for Celtic since his summer signing from Scunthorpe against Hamilton a fortnight ago, is looking to get back to full fitness and pin down a regular spot.[LNB]"The manager has said that we will all get used over the course of the season," he said.[LNB]"Training has been really good, really sharp and everyone is looking forward to the games coming up.[LNB]"I am getting fitter in training, getting my match sharpness and I should be there in three or four games."
