Lennon aims to end two year hoodoo against Celtic

Oct 17 2012 by Gavin McInally, Paisley Daily Express

Determined Danny Lennon admits he would love to end two years of hurt this weekend by picking up his first points against Celtic since taking over as St Mirren manager.

Lennon has faced the Hoops on SPL business six times during his time in charge at St Mirren Park – and hasn’t even managed to secure a draw, let alone a win.

To make matters worse, the Buddies have failed to score a single goal in any of those meetings, while conceding 15 at the other end.

Lennon points to the massive gulf in resources between the two clubs as the main reason why Saints have struggled to cope with the men from the East End of Glasgow.

However, he believes David can slay Goliath in Paisley this weekend to finally lay that hoodoo to rest.

Lennon told Express Sports: “Since I came here, we haven’t picked up a point from our games against Celtic and, when you consider that one of their players earns more in one week than my entire squad, that’s probably not all that surprising.

“It is a footballing mismatch but then so was Stirling Albion against Rangers recently and look how that turned out.

“That’s what we love about football – the romance of a smaller side upsetting the odds.”

Lennon has made impressive progress since replacing Gus MacPherson in the St Mirren hotseat ahead of the 2010/11 campaign but a SPL win over Celtic would make his CV look even more impressive.

Those six defeats against the Hoops included a 5-0 hammering at Celtic Park in November last year.

And, with a threadbare squad to choose from this weekend, it will take an almighty effort for the Buddies to secure all three points against the league leaders and defending champions.

Lennon added: “The fact that we won’t have key players like Darren McGregor and Paul McGowan available just makes the job that bit harder and there’s no doubt that our game against Celtic is a ‘David versus Goliath contest.’

“However, sometimes determination, hunger and workrate can meet quality head on and that’s what we’ll be aiming for this weekend.”