Neil Lennon spoke to talkSPORT this morning as he helped preview this weekend’s upcoming Viaplay League Cup Final. The former Bhoys boss was on hand to give his insight into what he thinks will happen and ultimately, what the outcome of Sunday will be by host Alan Brazil and old foe Ally McCoist.
Lennon, who is out of work having left Omonia Nicosia recently, won this competition back in 2019, when an admirable display by a Celtic team with no recognised striker and a wonderful Fraser Forster performance saw him lift the League Cup trophy as manager. That one was tight affair, and saw only a Christopher Jullien goal separate the sides, as well as a sending off and penalty kick saved by big Forster on the day.
However, previewing this one, the experienced Lennon was asked about his thoughts on the recent war of words between former Hoops teammate, Chris Sutton and the now Ibrox boss, Mick Beale. Always one to never miss a dig at an old teammate or colleague, the Lurgan man waited to Ally McCoist had spoken about working with Chelsea’s “worst ever player”, according to the rattled Beale, and then pounced.
McCosit said: “I’m working at it at the weekend which I am looking forward to. Wee Lenny and I had a conversation about it at the weekend … I’m looking forward to working with Chelsea’s worst ever player.” Straight away Lennon replied with a typical quip: “I thought it was a bit harsh .. he’s probably Chelsea’s SECOND worst ever player!”
When both men were probed and asked about brass taxes, it was unsurprising to hear either one’s prediction for the upcoming Viaplay League Cup Final. Lennon said: “I think Celtic will win 2-1 or 3-1 – I think both teams will score.
“But they’re playing so well, they can score from so many areas. I really like the mentality of this team and they are so fluid.”
McCoist replied: “I am looking at Celtic, they are different class in wide areas, solid defensively and they can score goals …. so 2-0 Rangers!” Stealing the last word after the nonsense that McCoist was spouting, Lennon said: “His nose was getting bigger as he was speaking there!”
Paul Gillespie
McCoist is Sunderland’s worst ever player .. even behind Kevin Kyle