Source: Team_Talk
Petta: Lennon must avoid Caley repeat
obby Petta says Neil Lennon must avoid a repeat of Celtic's infamous Inverness defeat if he wants the manager's job on a permanent basis.[LNB] The Hoops face Irn-Bru First Division side Ross County in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup this weekend and Petta knows all too well how disastrous a cup exit to lower league opposition can be.[LNB]The Dutch winger was an unused substitute when Celtic suffered a 3-1 loss to Inverness at Parkhead back in February 2000 - a result which ultimately spelled the end of John Barnes' short-lived tenure as manager.[LNB]Petta is now desperate to see Lennon avoid a similar fate by steering the Glasgow giants safely to a place in the final and keep alive their most realistic chance of silverware this season.[LNB]He said: "He knows the history, nobody forgets. He has to make sure they are motivated and that they don't slip up.[LNB]"That's the kind of thing you don't even want to think about.[LNB]"It's a new challenge against Ross County and there are no easy games these days so you can't take anything lightly.[LNB]"At Celtic, it doesn't matter who you play against - you always have to win and you are expected to win.[LNB]"They can't take any opposition lightly because this is the only prize they can win now. They've got to go in there and get the win and get their hands on the cup."[LNB]Lennon knows winning the Scottish Cup could make all the difference to his hopes of remaining at the helm for next season.[LNB]Petta added: "He has to do it for himself but also for the players, for the club and for the fans.[LNB]"He's got to win this cup and at least finish the season on a high with some positives because people have been focusing on all the negatives.[LNB]"Neil has a new start and everything to play for. He has played two games, won two and now he will want to win the cup."[LNB]Former team-mate Petta is not surprised to see Lennon take his first steps into management - but admits he is surprised that the Celtic hotseat has come to him so soon.[LNB]He said: "I'm happy for him because it's not easy to step in and take over.[LNB]"He's had two wins from two games and has a few games left to play. He just has to finish on a high.[LNB]"He knows Celtic inside and out and he has been doing well. Whether he stays on or not at the end of the season, we will just have to see what happens between now and then.[LNB]"He communicates a lot, he reads the game very well and he is a winner. Even in training ground games, he wanted to win. That's what they need.[LNB]"Players like him, and the likes of Paul Lambert, you just know that you wouldn't be surprised if they became managers.[LNB]"I don't think anyone would have expected him to be the caretaker manager at Celtic but he is doing well.[LNB]"It's a good learning process for him as well, it's all good, positive stuff."
