Neil Lennon has one date underlined in his diary- September 30.
On that date he’ll return to Celtic Park but take a D-tour into the away dressing room.
Over a dozen years at Celtic the Irishman has experienced every possible emotion and many that won’t appear in any coaching manual.
Plotting to defeat Brendan Rodgers will be almost as big a task as cutting Barcelona down to size in 2012 with Lennon admitting that his emotions will be all over the place.
Defeating Celtic would be an incredible achievement for the promoted boss but before the match kicks off he’ll have to go through a range of emotions and challenges.
“There were three or four fixtures I was looking out for but going back to Celtic will be a surreal one for me,” the Hibs boss told The Sun. “I don’t know how I’m going to feel on the day but I don’t think I need to demonstrate to the Hibs fans how much this job, or doing well for the club, means to me. I think they saw that enough last season!
“They know the demands I place on the players and see how involved I am on the touchline. I’m the Hibs manager and it’s my job to get results, whether it’s against Celtic or any other club.
“Celtic was a huge part of my life and still is but I’ve got to be professional — and I will be.
“I wouldn’t quite say I’m looking forward to it but I’ve got a strange feeling about going back to Celtic Park.
“Listen, though, I’m very proud to be the manager taking Hibs back into the top flight.
“Getting a promotion was something I’d never achieved, it was different and also hugely satisfying but I want to achieve so much more for Hibernian.”
This afternoon Hibs continue their pre-season build up with a home friendly against Sunderland ahead of the Betfred Cup which starts next weekend.
Lennon is hoping to bring in Anthony Stokes to join Efe Ambrose but there is no sign yet if Kris Commons will be joining Lennon’s Celtic colony.
