Neil Lennon has hit out at some of the early-season reactions he’s been hearing about Brendan Rodgers and Celtic.

The former Hoops boss couldn’t believe criticism was already being aimed at Rodgers despite his side winning both of their opening Premiership fixtures. Celtic have made a perfect start, sitting four points clear of Rangers after two games.

While Rangers have dropped points in their opening two league fixtures, Lennon believes there are reasons for their slow start, but says the rush to judge managers so early is completely over the top.

He pointed to his own experiences in Glasgow, stressing that both sides of the city are facing unnecessary noise after only a couple of matches.

He said: (talkSPORT), “No, (the title race isn’t over already), it’s early days.

“With Rangers, they have to qualify for the Champions League, so there are mitigating circumstances.

“I always feel, with this time of year, because you are playing tough European games in midweek, and then having to play against a team that is really motivated. I had problems myself as a manager in those sorts of spells.

“But the blood lust up here is just ridiculous. We are talking one or two games, and people are questioning his (Martin’s) tenure.

“Then, you got on the other side of the city, people criticising Brendan or his style of play when they have made a perfect start to the season. You have just got to be laser focused, try to block out the noise and not listen to it.”

Lennon’s defence of Rodgers will strike a chord with Celtic fans, who have seen their side make a strong and composed start to the season. Six points from six, and no goals conceded, is exactly the platform the manager would have wanted.

The former Celtic boss believes the criticism aimed at Rodgers’ style is misplaced, especially when results have been flawless so far. In his view, the focus should remain on the positives rather than manufactured pressure.

He also suggested that the intensity of the Glasgow football environment often fuels overreactions, with pundits and supporters quick to draw big conclusions from very few games.

For Lennon, the message to Rodgers, and indeed to any manager under the Parkhead spotlight, is clear: ignore the noise, stay focused on the job, and let results do the talking.