Lennon sees Celtic 'going in the right direction again'

Neil Lennon watched his Celitc side beat Ross County 2-0 to rack up a fourth consecutive win – and said his side are progressing again after a difficult spell.

Goals from David Turnbull and Leigh Griffiths sealed three points at Celtic Park, adding to victories over Lille and Kilmarnock, and the win on penalties against Hearts in the last two weeks.

The Celtic manager felt the victory was deserved and showed the marks of a team moving forward.

“We should have won the game by more,” Lennon said.

“It was a clean sheet and we didn’t look in any trouble. We seem to be going in the right direction again.

“We missed some great chances and the quality of what we created was high.

“I am delighted, though. It was a good performance. Overall I am really pleased and it’s a step in the right direction.”

After lifting the Scottish Cup on Sunday, Lennon had said that he hoped that completing last season’s treble would be a shot in the arm for a team that struggled for form. He feels there was evidence of a confidence in theside.

“We got a lift from the weekend win and that pressure and anxiety has gone now,” he said.

“We are looking forward to the league games now and it’s good to get a win to start the Christmas period.

“There is a feel-good factor. We just want to keep the squad bubbling over now.

“We are still a long way back and we won’t get too high or too low. It’s a game at a time but we are taking steps in the right direction.”

New County manager John Hughes saw good and bad in his side’s defeat and believes he learned a lot about the character of his squad.

He said: “I was quite glad we were coming to Parkhead because we were playing against the champions and I could see who was up for it, I could see what we have got and see who was fazed by it.

“In terms of quality, I am honest enough to say it has to be better, ball retention has to be better.

“In terms of effort and commitment, it was very good.

“The goals we lost were preventable and we have to stop that but in terms of togetherness, I saw that tonight.

“There is enough there for me to know that if we get a wee bit of luck we could be alright.”