Lennon unfazed by awards snub
Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon believes the reason he is overlooked for end-of-season awards is because people don’t like him, not because of his ability.
The Northern Irishman has played a major part in what has been a hugely successful campaign for the Parkhead side both domestically and on the European stage.
He had hoped his contribution would mean his name would be among the contenders for the season’s top players but he failed even to make the short-list for the Players’ Player of the Year, which was won by team-mate Chris Sutton.
When asked whether his fiery reputation and no-nonsense style of play played a part in him being overlooked for such accolades, Lennon said: “Without a doubt.
“I thought I might have been in the running for a couple of awards this year but I might have upset too many people.
“It’s disappointing but I’m not going to dwell on it.
“What matters is the people in the dressing room and the management staff - as long as there is respect in the dressing room it doesn’t bother me.
“I always play with a chip on my shoulder – it keeps the resilience going - and I like playing with that grievance because if you take that away then I’m not the same player.”
Across the city at Rangers, Fernando Ricksen knows what it feels like to be tagged the bad boy of the club.
Like Lennon, he has made the headlines on the front page as many times as the back page of the newspapers during his time in Glasgow and, while relishing on-the-field tussles with Ricksen, the Hoops star insists he has nothing but respect for his rival.
Lennon told Radio Clyde Sport: “I’ve had a few words with a few players over the piece, including most of the guys at Rangers.
“Fernando likes to mix it with everyone but that is just part of his game as well.
“I respect him and all the guys at Rangers because I know how difficult it is to be part of an Old Firm team.
“It all adds to the passion. The players have professional pride but they also have enormous respect for each other.”
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