Lennon - I need to keep my cool

11 May 2011 10:30
Celtic manager Neil Lennon takes his side to Tynecastle on Wednesday insisting there will be no repeat of the touchline antics which saw him banished from the dugout on his last visit. In November, Lennon was sent to the stands by referee Craig Thomson after clashing with fourth official Steven McLean during a 2-0 defeat, and then charged with excessive misconduct by the Scottish Football Association. A four-match suspension was added to the automatic two-match ban, although that was reduced to four matches in total on appeal. The usual tension which surrounds the fixture increased after Rangers' 2-0 win over Dundee United at Ibrox on Tuesday left Celtic knowing they cannot afford to lose or the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title stays at Ibrox. "I look at my previous performance at Tynecastle and I know I don't want any repeat of what went on then," Lennon told the Daily Record. "I need to keep cool because I have to be there for my players. I understand the need to rein in my behaviour so that I don't provoke anybody. But the fact that I walk out onto the perimeter of the pitch is enough to get some fans going, in my experience."

Source: PA