Celtic will host Old Firm rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
Chris Sutton has interestingly claimed that Neil Lennon is not facing his first big challenge as Celtic manager ahead of their clash with Rangers on Sunday at Parkhead.
The Old Firm duo will meet for the first time since Brendan Rodgers opted to leave for Premier League side Leicester City and the Bhoys decided to replace him with Lennon.
Since the Northern Irishman’s return, his team are unbeaten in all competitions and have extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to 10 points.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live (27/03/2019 at 8:30 pm), Sutton made it clear that Lennon will need to beat the Gers in style if he wants to land a permanent role at the club.
“Is it his first big challenge? No, I think he has been challenged,” Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I think that the early fixtures under him, Hibs and Hearts away were extremely difficult fixtures and Aberdeen who pushed them.
“I think it’s his most important challenge. I think it’s just as big for Steven Gerrard – I think in terms of Neil Lennon getting the job, he needs to beat Rangers and beat them in style.”
There have been a number of late winning goals by Celtic since Lennon’s arrival, including during their last league fixture when they netted in the dying moments to beat Dundee.
Lennon has been in charge of four matches in all competitions, winning three of those encounters and being held to a goalless draw at home to Aberdeen.
Before the season draws to a close, the Glasgow duo will lock horns on two occasions, including at the weekend.
Victory for Lennon in both fixtures will only enhance his chances of earning a permanent role but dropped points or a defeat then those in power may decide to look elsewhere.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
