Lennon seeks to inspire Old Firm debutants

20 October 2010 16:30
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has told his Old Firm debutants the derby matches can make or break their Parkhead careers.

Six of the players who started in Celtic's 2-1 victory over Dundee United have never played in a Glasgow derby before. Rangers go into Sunday's clash at Celtic Park with far more know-how of the fixture, with 10 of the players who started in the 4-1 win over Motherwell having played in several of the encounters.

Lennon appreciates there is only so much knowledge he can impart to his summer signings but he has stressed the importance of the occasions.

"We have to try and explain to the players who are making their debuts what it is like but you can't replicate that until they experience it themselves," Lennon told the Celtic View.

"I think it's a game that defines players more than anyone, games that hold big stakes like this can have a big effect on how the fans look at them."

Source: PA