Source: Team_Talk
Lenny shouldn't be blamed - Brown
Scott Brown has absolved caretaker manager Neil Lennon of any blame for Celtic's shock Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Ross County.[LNB] Club captain Brown echoed Lennon's sentiments that the Hoops suffered one of the worst result's in their history because they bottled it at Hampden on Saturday.[LNB]The 2-0 defeat to Irn-Bru First Division County capped a miserable season which is set to see Celtic finish trophyless for the first time in seven years.[LNB]Brown said: "County wanted it more than us. We have to be strong enough characters to get on the ball and play football. But we didn't do that. We have let down the fans and ourselves.[LNB]"Lenny showed us enough before the game about Ross County and told us what they would do. He got it spot on. It was the players on the park who didn't do their jobs.[LNB]"I don't think it's the case that the players aren't good enough. This season hasn't been good enough.[LNB]"There has not been enough dig. We must be braver and we must have stronger characters. We have to be better and be more of a team. We must understand more about what people's jobs are.[LNB]"Sometimes, we don't track the opposition's runners. We all go out to give 100%. But sometimes the touch isn't there, so you have to dig deep, battle and fight for the ball."[LNB]He added: "It's nothing to do with the manager or the coaches. They have done their job well.[LNB]"It's about the 11 men on the park and the split-second decisions that are being wrongly made at times.[LNB]"It's not the manager's fault. He picks the 11 he thinks is his strongest team for the game. We let him down."[LNB]The defeat will hurt Lennon's hopes of being appointed manager on a permanent basis.[LNB]Brown said: "I hope it doesn't affect his chances of getting the job. Lenny organised us perfectly. He showed us videos (of County) and we couldn't have asked for any more. His training has been brilliant - but we have let him down."
