Lennon on the right path: Hartson

30 September 2010 09:56
There is no need for John Hartson to be anything less than honest with his opinions. He can see things are going the right way at Parkhead John Hartson can see that his former Celtic team-mate Neil Lennon has instilled the same winning mentality in his team as was employed under Martin O'Neill. Hartson has praised Lennon for the way he has recovered from the two European exits to keep pace with Rangers in the SPL ahead of Saturday's visit of Hamilton. Hartson said: "There are people waiting for them to slip up all the time. Sometimes they don't play very well and still manage to win, which is something we did under Martin O'Neill. We didn't always play well but someone would pop up with a goal, normally Henrik (Larsson). I watched them play against Kilmarnock, they didn't play great but managed to win. That is something Neil has instilled in the players and it's a great habit to have. Obviously the European thing was disappointing and no one knows that more than the manager. I think a lot of the fans were a bit undecided but the crowds are picking up again and they are on a great run. I think he has done exceptionally well to recover from going out in Europe." Hartson was back at Celtic Park today to launch his new DVD, Celtic Dragon 2, which continues to follow his battle against cancer after leaving hospital in August last year. Hartson was diagnosed with testicular cancer which then spread to his brain and lungs, and underwent several operations and chemotherapy. The 35-year-old's recovery is going to plan and he is now at the stage where he sees his oncologist every three months. But his life has changed irrevocably since his scare. The former Arsenal and Wales player said: "I appreciate the simple things, just little things like walking along the beach with my kids and running a bath. When you're lying on a hospital bed for six weeks with no strength, those are the things you miss - going to the toilet on your own. My dad grew in my estimation. I knew he was a good man anyway but when he is at your bedside every step of the way, taking time off work to be with you, it really hits home what family will do for you in adversity. My dad would have given up his own life to see me get through." Hartson revealed the aim of the DVD was to raise awareness against the illness and thank the Celtic support for their backing throughout his fight. He said: "Every time I go to the doctors they say they've had two in this week saying 'is this what John Hartson got?' When I had lumps in my testicles eight years ago, I didn't know that's what caused testicular cancer. If I had gone in eight years ago it would have avoided all of this, the operations, the chemo and the time I spent in hospital. If you get it early then you have a really good chance. I waited eight years and you can see how close I was to losing my life. I look like death warmed up in the video, I lost five stones."

Source: FOOTYMAD