Celtic vs St. Mirren preview - Lennon laments fans' separation

Posted Wednesday, August 07, 2013 by PA

Neil Lennon believes it is a "shame" the Green Brigade are to be dispersed around Celtic Park after failing to listen to repeated warnings about their behaviour.

The Parkhead club issued a statement on Monday confirming they are to close section 111 of their stadium, which houses the Ultras group, known, for the most part, for banner displays and singing.

However, among other things, warnings to stop "lateral movement of spectators" and "body surfing" went unheeded and consequently supporters will be offered a refund on their season tickets or the chance to relocate.

The Celtic boss is in Sweden for Wednesday's second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round against Elfsborg, looking to defend a 1-0 lead from the first game.

When asked about the issue, he said: "It is very disappointing because I think that section adds hugely to the atmosphere at the stadium.

"But there was a final warning after the Cliftonville game and that wasn't adhered to and the club have taken this decision.

"It is beyond me, it is a club decision and it is a shame that has come to this.

"But there are lines of dialogue still open so I wouldn't say this is the end but there are rules and conditions and it is all about safety at the end of the day, that is paramount to the club."

The former Celtic skipper admitted having a pep-talk with defender Kelvin Wilson, who has been reportedly subject to two failed bids from his former club Nottingham Forest.

Asked if the Englishman, who has recovered from shin splints, had asked the club for a move, Lennon said: "Certainly not to me, maybe to the club, but not that I'm aware of at the minute.

"Kelvin is here and in contention

"I spoke to him on Monday. I am not going to discuss what I said privately to the player, that is between me and him.

"He is aware of what we think of him and he knows the situation and what lies ahead of him.

"He is quite calm, he is that type, if he is picked and he is ready to play I am sure he won't let us down.

"There is no getting away from the fact that there is genuine interest from a club in England but I don't want to discuss any of the players' situations or conditions until after the game on Wednesday night.

"He has been magnificent for us, certainly in the European games.

"He had a good season last season and he has started the season very well so he is as important as some of the other players like Samaras, (Joe) Ledley and (Scott) Brown."

Celtic won two qualifying rounds to get through to the group stages last season from where they went on to reach the last-16 of the competition before being knocked out by Italian giants Juventus.

However, despite the goal advantage and the clean sheet, Lennon believes there is still a bit of work to be done before the Hoops get through to the play-offs.

"We may have to win both ties to get through," he said.

"We have won one, and we don't have to win, a draw will be suffice but we are coming here to win the tie.

"Last season has given us the experience, we have been down that road before but it counts for nothing.

"I am more pleased that we are a week further down the line in terms of match preparation that had been beneficial to the players.

"The Champions League is the blue ribbon event.

"It is what we look forward to and we were starved of Champions League football for the last few seasons up until last season and you could see what it meant to so many people in the country."

Forward Derk Boerrigter, midfielder Tom Rogic (both ankle) and defender Virgil van Dijk (foot) are out but Lennon is confident that Georgios Samaras, who missed Saturday's Scottish Premiership opening day win over Ross County with an ankle injury, will make it.

He said: "He is still a bit tender but we will give him every opportunity."

Mo Bangura is winning his race to be fit to play for Elfsborg against his parent club at the Boras Arena.

The on-loan Sierra Leone forward controversially featured in the 1-0 first-leg defeat at Parkhead last week against the wishes of Hoops boss Lennon.

Bangura picked up a leg injury at training earlier this week but the Swedish club's manager Jorgen Lennartsson told Press Association Sport: "Yes, he is fit to play.

"We will have a final test in the warm-up before the game but there is no problem at all."

Bangura told Sky Sports "I am fine" but the striker was coy about the extent of his motivation to beat Celtic.

"It is not about motivation, I just want to get games, train hard and work hard.

"We have to step up our game and see what happens. It is not going to be easy."