Lennon hits back at critics

Lennon: Disappointed

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Celtic boss Neil Lennon has launched a fearsome rebuke at those who have questioned his transfer record.

The Hoops manager has come in for criticism from some quarters following a disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League.

The Old Firm giants saw their hopes of reaching the group stages crushed at the first hurdle as they suffered a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Portuguese outfit Sporting Braga.

Lennon is as disappointed as anybody to have seen his continental dreams unravel, but insists the failure should not be placed on the shoulders of those he has drafted in this summer.

In an angry interview posted on the club's official website, he said: "I am not surprised at the criticism that has come but I am surprised at the areas where it has come from.

Improve

"I picked up a tabloid today and it was ex-players who were wearing a Celtic shirt at a promotional event for Tennent's and getting paid good money for it and then going ahead and putting the boot into the team, the club, the board and myself.

"I can't have that and will not accept that. One particular player criticised my signing policy.

"I said I was trying to bring British and Irish players into the club, which I have done - Joe Ledley, Charlie Mulgrew, Daryl Murphy and Gary Hooper.

"I did try to go after (Jimmy) Bullard, (David) James and (Sol) Campbell but I was unsuccessful with that.

"But all he could think about were the Israelis, South Koreans and Mexicans, who I think will enhance and improve the club anyway. So he is a bit economical with the truth there."