Lennon hails excellent Hoops

Celtic manager Neil Lennon praised his players after they stumbled to their second successive tour defeat.

Substitute Georgios Samaras equalised from the penalty spot but Manchester United went on to win 3-1 at the Rogers Centre thanks to goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley.

Celtic lost to Philadelphia Union on Wednesday but Lennon was happy with what he saw in Canada, saying: "It was really pleasing. I thought the level of performance was excellent. There were a number of positives to take out of the game."

He added: "There was a lot of good football played out there and the players enjoyed the atmosphere and the experience.

"The second goal came probably after our best spell in the game. I was really pleased with the response of the players, particularly in the second half. Samaras made a difference when he came on."

Lennon is pleased with the options available to him in midfield, with Joe Ledley having another run-out following his move from Cardiff.

In addition Shaun Maloney is getting closer to full fitness after the injuries which have blighted a promising career.

Lennon added: "There were a lot of substitutions near the end as people like Shaun Maloney have not played for a long time.

"Joe Ledley was starting to feel a bit tired. In the first half against United he was tremendous."