Source: PA
Lennon lauds captain Brown
Scott Brown was eulogised by manager Neil Lennon after the Celtic skipper capped a battling midfield display with the equalising goal in their dramatic Scottish Cup fifth-round encounter with Rangers at Ibrox.
Light Blues midfielder Jamie Ness had fired the home side in to the lead with a thundering drive from the edge of the box in the third minute but the Parkhead men fought back with a goal from Old Firm debutant Kris Commons.
Steven Whittaker restored Rangers' advantage from the spot after Hoops keeper Fraser Forster had been sent off for bringing down Steven Naismith in the box.
However, even with 10 men, Celtic were the better side and Brown levelled in the 64th minute with a shot from the edge of the box before Naismith, booked in the first half for a foul on Mark Wilson, was sent off for simulation inside the visitors' penalty area.
Lennon described his side's performance as "absolutely brilliant" but had special word of praise for his skipper.
"Scott Brown was immense," he said. "You saw what a captain he can be, he scored a wonderful goal and I couldn't be more pleased for him. He is a top player, a big-game player and when has played for me he has been a leader. He stood up to all the baiting that was going on, he revels in it, I think he enjoyed the challenge."
