Source: PA
Timely Brown return enthuses Lennon
Celtic manager Neil Lennon hopes the return of Scott Brown can drive his team`s title challenge back on track after a run of just one victory in five matches.
The 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock on Tuesday night was their third consecutive Parkhead stalemate as they again missed the chance to go top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
But Lennon`s men were heading for their first home defeat against Kilmarnock for 55 years before Brown`s comeback from a 10-week lay-off with a broken metatarsal.
Lennon felt his captain lifted the team after replacing Joe Ledley in the 66th minute.
Brown`s return comes as Lennon prepares to lose Ki Sung-yueng from his midfield for several weeks with the youngster and South Korea team-mate Cha Du-ri going away on Asian Cup duty after Sunday`s SPL clash against St Johnstone.
"He`s a hugely influential player for us," Lennon said. "He came on and gave us that extra impetus and drive when we needed it. The first thing he did was go in for a really robust challenge and won the ball and lifted the team. I thought he was really excellent and he has been out for quite a while. To have him back is hugely beneficial considering that Ki is going away now."
