Neil Lennon is facing the most emotional team talk of his life for tomorrow’s clash with Kilmarnock.
On Monday evening Celtic were intent on picking up three of the four points needed to clinch an eighth successive title for the first time since 1973.
There was to be one more title success for the skipper in 73, nine-in-a-row became one of the many accolades picked up by Billy McNeill but late on Monday night the club icon passed away after a long battle.
Despite the news being anticipated it didn’t dull the shock or the emotions it unleashed as supporters young and old reflected on the contribution that McNeill made on the pitch during a remarkable decade.
Jock Stein and McNeill were made for each other as they lifted Celtic to the greatest heights in the club’s history with caretaker Lennon charged with channeling a wave of emotion into a title success.
Turning to tomorrow’s match Lennon told The Sun: “It’s going to be emotional on Saturday and I think the players should thrive on it.
“The day will probably encompass what Celtic is all about and the players should embrace that.
“Obviously, they have to focus on beating a very good Kilmarnock team and we have a job to do but we should also enjoy the emotion, the tributes, the noise and the colour.
“It’s a sad day and a sad week, but this is an opportunity to celebrate Billy for what he really was.
“Billy would have wanted the noise, that’s what he wanted Celtic Park always to be.
“That meant as much to him as anything else and we will endeavour to work and play some really great football.”
This bhoy is developing well, he showed some great play last night despite brutal marking, he’s going to be special.https://t.co/hvietlwtTJ
— Joe McHugh (@videocelts) April 26, 2019
