Lennon hints at Celtic changes

07 November 2010 15:30

Neil Lennon is ready to make immediate changes to the Celtic side which created a Scottish Premier League record with their 9-0 thrashing of Aberdeen at Parkhead.

The Hoops, inspired by hat-trick heroes Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes, ran riot against the sorry-looking Dons who left the east end of Glasgow thankful that they had not been subject to a double-figure defeat.

But Celtic boss Lennon is already looking towards facing Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday night and said: "It is a totally different scenario on Wednesday. We will enjoy Saturday but we will start concentrating on Hearts. There will possibly be a few changes to the team, believe it or not, but we will talk about that over the next couple of days."

It could be a while before Parkhead sees another game like the one witnessed on Saturday.

Dons captain Paul Hartley and Celtic defender Thomas Rogne were sent off by referee Alan Muir as Celtic stormed into a 4-0 interval lead with doubles from Hooper and Stokes, the Irishman netting two penalties.

The points were secured but Celtic were hungry for more goals and there was no surprise when Hooper and Stokes each grabbed a third.

A strike from Joe Ledley, an own goal by Aberdeen substitute Josh Magennis and a late penalty from Paddy McCourt left the Dons licking their wounds from a club record defeat.

Lennon praised his players' potency and professionalism, saying: "You can see what Hooper and Stokes bring to the team at times.

"They are good players and we feel they both have goalscoring instincts.

"Stokes took his penalties well and Gary's three goals were very, very good. His instinct is his strength."

Source: PA