Lennon’s lads are on top of the world

Aug 17 2012 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN manager Danny Lennon has urged his players to enjoy their place at the top of the SPL while it lasts ... because it’s only a matter of time before Celtic flex their financial muscle and power their way to the league title.

The Buddies have taken four points from their first two games and sit proudly at the SPL summit by virtue of scoring one goal more than Hearts.

And Lennon’s shock troops will be eager to retain their lofty position by bagging all three points when Hibernian come to town tomorrow afternoon.

However, he also admits that most football fans won’t expect St Mirren to be top of the pile by the end of the season.

Lennon told Express Sports: “We’ve had an excellent week but we’re well aware that it’s early days – although that’s no reason not to enjoy where we are at the moment.

“I would much rather be where we are now than hovering around at the foot of the table but I fully expect Celtic to be where we are at the end of the season.

“We will just try and hang on in there for as long as possible but the top teams, like Manchester United, manage to win week in, week out, and that’s why they are where they are.

“They make winning a habit – and it’s a good habit to have.”

Lennon also knows that Celtic’s spending power will make it almost impossible for the other SPL clubs to compete with them over the course of this season.

He added: “You just need to look at Celtic’s budget and that of the other clubs. It’s night and day.

“There’s a real challenge for the other 11 teams this season as a lot of them will fancy their chances of finishing fourth, third or even second.

“We’re as ambitious as the next team but finishing in the top six is our main target.”

Lennon has said there is an air of confidence at St Mirren Park after their unbeaten start to the season but he reckons Hibs will also be expecting to come out on top tomorrow.

He added: “Hibs will take a lot of heart from their 1-1 draw in the Edinburgh derby last weekend.

“I expect them to arrive in Paisley full of confidence but our win at Dundee last Saturday has also given us a great deal of confidence and the players will be looking to kick on from there.

“I didn’t think we played as well as we can at Dens Park, so at least I know there is more to come, which is pleasing.”

Lennon has also been boosted by the way his team has posed a goal threat in their two league games so far.

He said: “Last season, a lack of away wins was our downfall as we managed just three all term but we’re off the mark early this season and we have to use that as a platform.

“We were praised for playing nice football last season but there was little end product, so that’s why I’m delighted that we’ve managed to score twice in both of our SPL games.

“That’s one statistic that I’m desperate to keep going against Hibs.”