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, Lennon said: "You know they have been misinterpreted."
He added: "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.
"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.
"Jim is doing a press conference and people are saying Neil Lennon said this and Neil Lennon said that and I didn't say that at all. I shouldn't think I have to (clarify with Jim) but if he wants me to I will."
Lennon was more relaxed about the news that Celtic could be facing a stronger Hearts side than the one which capitulated in Govan after Jefferies revealed he would have captain Marius Zaliukas and Marian Kello available again.
Zaliukas was made unavailable to the former Kilmarnock boss for the trip to Ibrox on the morning of the game at the behest of majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov, who it is understood was concerned his fellow Lithuanian may be sent off by referee Iain Brines.
Kello - the goalkeeper has also been out of the team of late due to an undisclosed "private matter" - will also play.
"As I said the other day every club has their own agenda," the former Celtic skipper said. "It's not for me to comment on that. If they put out their best team it would make it better if we beat them."
Source: PA
