Neil Lennon has issued a warning to his former team, Celtic, stating that “underdogs bite” as his Dunfermline Athletic squad prepares to create an upset in the Scottish Cup final this Saturday.
The ex-Celtic captain and manager expressed concern over a “disrespectful” narrative that has emerged ahead of this weekend’s significant event at Hampden.
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Having defeated top-tier teams such as Hibernian, Aberdeen, and Falkirk to reach the final, Lennon believes this journey has instilled an “inner belief” within his Championship side.
“This isn’t just a day out for us,” the 54-year-old remarked.
“I’ve noticed numerous comments this week regarding Martin [O’Neill] and the idea that Callum McGregor would have been lifting the trophy earlier in the season had he been present to complete the treble.”
“I wouldn’t write us off. While we are the underdogs, underdogs have a tendency to surprise.”
Dunfermline heads into the final following a setback in their quest for Premiership promotion, with a semi-final playoff loss to Partick Thistle last week.
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When asked if he was frustrated by the dismissive attitudes towards his team, Lennon responded, “Yes. It only fuels my motivation, which is great. It’s disrespectful, but I take no issue with it.”
“We will come—though not bursting with overconfidence—possessing a belief that we can accomplish something significant here. We understand the immense challenge that lies ahead.”
‘A young O’Neill could manage Bayern Munich‘
Lennon shared that striker Zak Rudden is expected to return after more than three months on the sidelines, and goalkeeper Aston Oxborough will be back from his loan at Motherwell after his temporary recall from the parent club.
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The Dunfermline manager also expressed his views on being labeled as O’Neill’s apprentice, finding it “disrespectful,” but acknowledges the “surreal” nature of competing against his former manager in such a pivotal match.
Lennon reaffirmed his admiration for O’Neill’s successful season, despite the latter’s age, stating he “couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.”
“It’s still surreal given how long I’ve known him, the impact he’s had on my career, and his influence on me,” he reflected.
“I was fortunate to spend 10 years with Martin during his prime. People often speak about his achievements at Celtic, but what he accomplished at Leicester was remarkable.”
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“He not only secured promotion, but he also achieved four top-10 finishes in the Premier League and contested three League Cup finals with a fraction of the budget that others had. If we compare it to a modern manager, he’d be managing a club like Bayern Munich or a similar powerhouse.”