Lennon hoping Parkhead atmosphere provides platform for derby victory

Neil Lennon wants Parkhead to again provide the platform for a Celtic victory in Sunday’s Old Firm derby against Rangers.

The Northern Irishman will take charge of the Hoops for his first game against the Light Blues since returning as interim boss last month, in the wake of Brendan Rodgers’ sudden departure to Leicester City.

Celtic have continued their good form under Lennon and a win would see them move 13 points clear of Steve Gerrard’s side at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership with only seven fixtures remaining.

The Scottish champions  re unbeaten at home domestically this season with 14 wins and a draw in the league and remain on course for a domestic triple treble and an eighth-successive league title.

Lennon is hoping Celtic Park will again make a difference.

The former Celtic skipper said: “It’s always a huge advantage being at home.

“Our record in recent years has been pretty good and our home record over the last couple of years domestically has been superb.

“I want Rangers to feel the noise and power we can generate in the stadium. Not just from the players but from the supporters as well.

“That’s what being at home in a derby is all about. We generate that atmosphere and feed off that.

“We’ll be prepared for any eventuality and will be focusing on what we’re going to do.

“Hopefully we can dominate the game and dominate the ball like we can.”

Lennon believes the Hoops players will be looking to make amends for the 1-0 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox on December 29 – their last domestic defeat.

He said: “I’m sure it’ll be lingering in the back of their minds, as all defeats do.

“There will be extra incentive and motivation for the players to win the game for that.

“I would like us to be a bit more physical than we were at Ibrox. That’s always an important attribute to have in a derby.”