CELTIC have defied their supporters and backed struggling Neil Lennon to reverse the woeful run of two wins in twelve games and haul back the thirteen point gap held by Rangers. The Scottish Champions have exited the Champions League, Europa League and League Cup already this season as 10IAR hangs on by a thread but remarkably, Lawwell & Co have backed Lennon.
Even Lennon’s former teammates, Chris Sutton and Alan Thompson have changed their tune and suggested that the Irishman’s time as manager appears to be up. However, against the backdrop of supporter displeasure and that thirteen point gap held by Rangers, a club statement has moved to back the manager.
However, the run of fixtures before Ibrox is relatively kind and in preparation Celtic must show their intent to win 10IAR by seeking out quality reinforcements. A goalkeeper, Fraser Forster, a central defender and a right back would be ideal to be in the door come January 2.
Mark McKenzie from Philadelphia Union has been touted as a potential January recruit but the news from the USA is that the club will face competition from England and Germany for the promising youngster. Forster meanwhile is not playing at all at Southampton and he is a notable absence in the backline of Celtic. The right back slot appears to be an area of concern for the club with neither Hatem Abd Elhamed or Jeremie Frimpong covering themselves in glory this season, which is a surprise as last year they were both impressive.
Celtic have backed Neil Lennon publicly and now they need to follow that up with shrewd investment in the playing XI. Ten in a row hangs by a thread and unless they want red, white and blue ribbons on the Premiership Trophy there needs to be action, they don’t believe sacking Lennon is the right thing to do so they need to actively recruit.
Rangers could potentially be 16 points clear (with Celtic having three games in hand) when the sides meet and failure to win in this fixture could spell the end of 10IAR.
