Lennon 'hates' thought of Celtic failure

03 May 2011 10:30

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has demanded trophies to cap his first season in charge, with his side within five games of a Clydesdale Bank Premier League and Scottish Cup double.

Celtic play Inverness on Tuesday night in their game in hand over Rangers and victory would take them two points clear of their Old Firm rivals with three games remaining, while Motherwell are the opposition in the Scottish Cup final on May 21.

Lennon told the Scottish Sun: "I don't fear failure, I just hate the thought of it. I certainly don't want to be seen as a Celtic manager who didn't win a trophy. That wouldn't be good enough for me."

He added: "We have made great progress this year. But for me that would mean nothing if we didn't win something.

"We're in a good position at the moment and we've earned it. But we have to see it through now."

A domestic double would complete a remarkable first full season as Celtic boss for Lennon, who insists his much-criticised behaviour, which has resulted in disciplinary run-ins and touchline bans, is down to passion.

He added: "I wouldn't really change anything about how I've gone about the job. You are what you are."

Lennon served a four-match ban imposed following his dismissal against Hearts in November, and subsequent reaction, which saw his automatic ban doubled for "excessive misconduct".

He expressed regret for the incident with referee Craig Thomson.

He added: "I still feel the sending off was unjustified. But my reaction was over the top - and that's something I would change if I could."

Source: PA