Speaking ahead of the Glasgow Derby this weekend – Tommy Coyne has spoken out against the criticism aimed at the Celtic manager since he returned for the role on a full-time basis.

The ex-Celt has branded some of the stuff said about Neil Lennon as ‘disgraceful’ after the club failed to make the Champions League and assisted the Irishman was the best man for the job.

“The criticism Neil’s had to take has been disgraceful. I believe he is totally the man for the job.” Coyne told the RecordSport.

“Some of the fans are unhappy that Neil got the job, but I’m totally behind the manager, I don’t think you could have picked anyone else to come in and do the job he’s doing.

“I’m sure he will go on and win the title.

“The fans look to the manager to show the passion from the side as you have seen from Celtic managers of the past and he’s of that calibre.”

Neil Lennon has had his critics, but the Cluj game derailed what has been a blistering start to the season for the club. They have scored 35 goals already and won the majority of their games – surpassing their efforts this time last year.

As the bhoys go into this week with games against AIK and The Rangers, Coyne believes the pressure is all on the Ibrox club to deliver on their home turf.

“This will be a chance for Celtic to again lay down their superiority.

“There is a lot of pressure on Rangers as the fans are expecting them to win but Celtic will be too strong.”

It will be an interesting tie. Celtic failed to win at Ibrox last season but both times they did play there they were less than 100%z

If they can take nearly their full squad to Govan, there’s undoubtedly a good chance the bhoys can do the business.