Lennon insists he should get more time to turn around Celtic form

Neil Lennon says he accepts his position is in question after Celtic were knocked out of the League Cup by Ross County – but he wants more time to turn their form around.

County were 2-0 winners at Celtic Park, ending the hosts 35-game unbeaten run in domestic cups and leaving Lennon’s side with just two wins in their last ten games across all competitions.

The cup defeat came days after Celtic’s Europa League hopes ended with a 4-1 defeat to Sparta Prague, and with the defending champions trailing Rangers by 11 points in the Premiership, albeit with two games in hand.

Lennon said he knows what’s expected at the club and that Celtic are currently “falling short” but he still believes he is the right man to fix the problems in the side.

The Northern Irishman has previously insisted that he has the backing of Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and chief executive Peter Lawwell.

Asked if he would understand if the Celtic board took the decision to remove him tonight, Lennon said: “No, I think it’s too soon for that.

“We have lost one trophy, that’s gone. Our priority is the league, it always is, every time we come into a season.

“We are out of Europe, so it’s not been great, but there’s plenty of time to turn it around. But it’s alright me saying that, we have to show it with action now.

“I think I should get more time at it but, if not, then so be it.”

As the manager entered his post-match media conference, he could hear supporters who had gathered outside the stadium calling for his departure.

He said: “What can I say? That’s their opinion. It’s been rumbling for a while.

“It doesn’t matter what I say or what sort of bravado I put on. It won’t wash. I have to turn it round with results. I can only do that with the players.”

When asked whether he gave himself a time frame for that, Lennon said: “No. Next game possible, whether it be AC Milan or St Johnstone next week.”