Neil Lennon was full of praise for Celtic after they booked their place in the Premier Sports Cup final with a 3-1 extra-time win over Rangers at Hampden.
The former Hoops boss was on punditry duty and gave an honest assessment of the performance, highlighting the team’s superior fitness and mentality as key factors in the victory.
It was a gruelling semi-final that tested Celtic’s resolve, but Lennon believed they always looked the stronger side as the match wore on. Despite Rangers clawing their way back into the contest with a second-half penalty, the Hoops dug deep in extra time to reassert control and seal the win through Callum McGregor and young Callum Osmand.
Lennon also singled out Osmand for special praise after the teenager came off the bench to score Celtic’s decisive third goal. The 19-year-old’s movement, energy and composure in front of goal stood out, and the former Celtic manager made clear he saw something different in the young striker’s game.
He said: (Premier Sports), “You just felt that Celtic could overpower them in extra time, and that turned out to be the case.
“I just want to talk about that young man there.
“I was a wee bit interested in wanting to take him on loan, but he backed himself to be in the squad, and all of a sudden he’s at the forefront there.
“He’s a very good young striker, something a little bit different from what Celtic have, and he came up with a big goal for them today.”
Lennon’s admiration for the young striker was obvious, and his comments carried extra weight given his own interest in the player. Now managing Dunfermline, Lennon revealed he had considered taking Osmand on loan earlier in the season but decided against it, a twist that made the youngster’s breakthrough all the more impressive.
Rather than leave in search of minutes elsewhere, Osmand fought for his place at Celtic Park and was rewarded with a defining moment at Hampden. His confidence and instinct in front of goal gave Celtic the spark they needed in extra time, and Lennon’s words only added to the growing sense that the teenager has a big future in green and white.
The former Hoops boss also highlighted Celtic’s resilience and their ability to dig deep when the pressure was on. After a tiring 90 minutes, O’Neill’s side looked stronger and sharper, finding another gear as Rangers faded. Lennon noted that this kind of determination and belief has always been at the heart of Celtic’s greatest wins, and it was on full display once again at Hampden.
Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Semi Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 2, 2025 Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill celebrates their third goal scored by Celtic’s Callum Osmand Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
It was also a reminder of the strength in depth and balance within Martin O’Neill’s team, experienced heads leading the way while emerging talents like Osmand seized their moment. Lennon’s assessment reflected both admiration for the work done and excitement for what lies ahead as O’Neill looks to steady the ship.
For O’Neill, guiding Celtic to a cup final in his second game back could hardly have gone better. For Lennon, watching on, it was proof that the club he once led still carries the same fighting spirit. Celtic’s grit, belief and refusal to buckle under pressure turned a tense semi-final into another Hampden memory that will live long in the supporters’ minds.
