Thompson relieved to bounce back

14 April 2010 15:19
Josh Thompson admits it was imperative Celtic beat Motherwell on Tuesday night after the shock of their Scottish Cup defeat to Ross County.[LNB] Thompson inadvertently set up the visitors' opening goal last night when his attempt to clear Tom Hateley's free-kick fell for Mark Reynolds to fire home in the 48th minute.[LNB]And it was a lead the visitors deserved after creating the better chances in the first half of the SPL encounter at Parkhead.[LNB]But Thompson atoned emphatically by sweeping home the equaliser two minutes later and heading the winner from Lee Naylor's corner 12 minutes from time.[LNB]Celtic goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska made impressive saves immediately before and after the winner to give Neil Lennon the win he craved following Saturday's 2-0 loss.[LNB]Lennon had been fiercely critical of his team following the semi-final and had demanded a much-improved attitude against Craig Brown's side, and Thompson and his team-mates were well aware that they risked further alienating themselves from manager and fans if they failed to bounce back with a win.[LNB]"We knew on the pitch and coming off the pitch that Saturday wasn't good enough," said Thompson. "We expected the reaction we got from the fans and the manager knew as well.[LNB]"Everyone was just looking forward to getting this game so we could show we can turn it round and redeem ourselves from the poor performances.[LNB]"I don't think we could have come away with anything but a win after Saturday. I think everyone was a bit nervous because everyone knew the importance of the game, but that settled once we got on the ball a bit.[LNB]"There were maybe a few bits in the game where the nerves showed but I think we settled pretty well."[LNB]Lennon, who is eager to retain his job beyond the end of the season, has already held discussions with chief executive Peter Lawwell and main shareholder Dermot Desmond over which players should be moved on in the summer.[LNB]Thompson is certain to be one of the players staying after making a largely positive impact in his unexpected rise to the first team, but he has sensed a determination among all the players to earn a future at Parkhead.[LNB]"I think that's the case in football all the time but I think now it's that little bit more important," he said.[LNB]"Everyone is working that bit harder and everyone knows the importance of each game and every training session even."[LNB]Lennon was delighted with Thompson's attitude after the teenager convinced the manager he was equipped to deal with the pressure of appeasing the Celtic support.[LNB]There was little option for Lennon with centre-backs Glenn Loovens, Thomas Rogne and Jos Hooiveld all injured but the former Celtic captain admits Thompson has staked a claim for a continued place.[LNB]Lennon said: "He is as honest as the day is long, he wants to learn, he's a great kid to work with. I had him earlier on in the season in the development team.[LNB]"He has been thrown in at the deep end due to circumstances and he has acquitted himself really, really well.[LNB]"He held his own and I was thrilled for him. He's got a lot to do as has the team. I'm not getting excited, just pleased and relieved."

Source: Team_Talk