Lennon keen to keep pressure on Rangers with win at Dons

Neil Lennon is hoping for Celtic to get back to winning ways against an in form Aberdeen as he bids to keep right on the tail of Rangers.

The Premiership champions are currently four points behind the league leaders following their 2-0 defeat in last week’s Old Firm game, although they have a game in hand.

Celtic also lost 3-1 to AC Milan in their Europa League Group H opener on Thursday night but Lennon will leave that competition to the side for now as they return to league business and the quest for 10-in-a-row.

With Rangers playing Livingston at Ibrox later on Sunday, the Hoops boss wants to keep the pressure on at their lunchtime kick-off in the Granite City.

Noting that Aberdeen beat Hamilton 4-2 at Pittodrie on Tuesday night to make it four games unbeaten as they moved into third place in the table, Lennon is expecting a tough game.

He said: “They are in good form, they’ve won a lot of games this season already and got a great result early on in the week, scoring four early goals.

“It is really important. You don’t want to drop any more points or lose any more momentum so we’re looking for a positive result and a performance as well.”

Ryan Christie returned to action as a substitute against AC Milan after having to spend time out due to Covid-19 protocols.

The midfielder is looking forward to returning to a club where he had two loan spells before upcoming matches against Lille in France on Thursday and next weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final against the Dons at Hampden.

He said: “There are no easy games but they are all games you want to be part of.

“I was obviously gutted to miss the game at the weekend (against Rangers) but I am desperate to play against Aberdeen.

“I have a bit of history up there obviously, plus we have got to get back to winning ways.

“And when you are sat on the couch just watching games it just motivates you to come back and help the team.”