Neil Lennon highlights international break problem, warns Celtic new boys about complacency

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The Celtic manager was speaking ahead of their match against Hamilton this weekend.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has highlighted the lack of preparation time his international players will have for this weekend’s match against Hamilton, The Daily Record report.

A number of Celtic stars jetted off during the recent break from club action, with many only returning to training duty today.

With the Hoops kicking off their weekend fixture at lunchtime on Saturday, it’s not an ideal build up and Lennon admits he’s sweating a bit on everyone returning fit and healthy.

As quoted by The Record, he said: “My problem is I won’t get a lot of them back until Thursday so I’ll have them for a couple of days and then we have an early kick-off – not that I’m complaining. I just have to hope they all come back fit and healthy.

“They will all come back in dribs and drabs so again it’s important to keep in contact with what is going on with them.”

Whether the international action impacts on his starting eleven remains to be seen.

The Hoops are already facing a few injuries heading into the encounter, with Jozo Simunovic, Nir Bitton and Kristoffer Ajer all reported to be missing the match (The Scottish Sun).

Lennon has has also warned new recruits at Celtic Park they can’t be complacent in the wake of last week’s 2-0 win over Rangers at Ibrox.

Understanding that his experienced pros are used to the change of pace at Celtic, he’s noted it could be a challenge for his summer signings.

Again, as quoted by The Daily Record, he explained: “Going from Ibrox to Hamilton is where you are looking to guys like Scott Brown, Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Ryan Christie – the lads who have been here for a while and who know what it’s all about.

“But for the new ones this will be new challenge. Going to Hamilton is a different environment from the Rangers game. Here you have to go different environments but you always have to win.”

Celtic have already forged a three point lead at the top of the table, after four wins from four in the league, but Lennon is right to warn about the challenge ahead.

The fixture against Accies will be notably low key compared to the fiery atmosphere at Ibrox. It could be a bit of a culture shock for some of the stars who were so excited to get the win against Rangers.

Just as important is following up on those kind of victories with a consistent run of wins.