Dundee United v Celtic

May 18 2008 Mark Guidi

NEIL LENNON has never doubted Gordon Strachan should be Celtic boss next season - and believes their stunning title comeback has forced even his harshest critics into a U-turn.

After being written off at the end of March the Hoops have clawed their way back into the flag race and will take it to the last game of the season on Thursday providing Rangers avoid defeat at St Mirren tomorrow.

Lennon, who returned to the club last month as a coach, is delighted with the response that included two crucial Old Firm triumphs.

And he has nothing but praise for the way gaffer Strachan has kept the squad going while coping with constant pressure. The Irishman said: "I never understood those who wanted Gordon out.

"Tell me, who could do a better job? You would probably have to go to one of the top 10 clubs in Europe to get their manager.

"Gordon has been under enormous pressure from day one because Martin O'Neill was always going to be a hard act to follow.

"But he has been tremendous and is the right man for the job.

"Even if he had not taken the league to the wire and lost it by six or seven points I would still say he deserves to be in charge next season.

"Having had the chance to work closely with Gordon as a member of his backroom staff I can see the effort he puts in along with Garry Pendrey.

"They leave nothing to chance and their attention to detail has been a real eye-opener."

Strachan has pulled off a masterstroke in luring Lennon back to Parkhead.

His arrival has given the squad a lift and the likes of Shunsuke Nakamura and Barry Robson in particular have responded to his man-management style.

Lennon admits he often takes players aside for a quiet one-to-one and urges them to show their capabilities.

He said: "Gordon brought me back to the club to help out and that's what I've tried to do.

"The players have responded well to me and I was really pleased to see Naka score that goal against Rangers in the 2-1 win at Parkhead last month.

"Before the game I looked into his eyes and told him it was his time to produce a big performance against Rangers.

"I also think Paul Hartley and Robson have been superb in the middle of the park.

"They've had the chance to develop a partnership in the past few weeks and the team has reaped the rewards.

"Paul has made that holding midfield role his own. He does the dirty work and keeps it simple.

"Barry has great drive and never shirks a tackle. He's still a bit raw but can become a great player."

Thursday night at Tannadice may well see Lennon celebrate his sixth title success with Celtic after racking up five in his Parkhead playing days.

Yet going to the last day of the season with the championship still in the balance is not a good omen for him. The 36-year-old still bears the mental scars from 2003 - when Celtic lost the title by a single goal - and especially two years later.

In O'Neill's final season the Hoops travelled to Fir Park two points ahead of Rangers and knowing victory would give them glory.

Yet after Chris Sutton fired the opener Celtic spurned a string of chances to settle their nerves before an explosive finale saw the title ripped from their grasp.

Current Hoops hitman Scott McDonald scored twice in the final two minutes to earn Well a 2-1 win that still makes Lennon wince.

It's an agonising memory he has no intention of repeating and the former club captain said: "The five leagues I have won with Celtic have all been with a bit to spare.

"We wrapped them up with at least four or five games to go on every occasion.

"The two I lost in 2003 and 2005 were on the final day of the season, though.

The first one was understandable but two years later was unforgivable.

"We should never have blown the championship that day at Fir Park. I still sometimes struggle to get my head round that one.

"So I hope this year will be third time lucky for me.

"It would be nice to sample the feeling of winning the SPL on the last day with all the drama and excitement that is involved.

"But if we don't become champions we'll be back ready for next season.

"I've enjoyed my time at the club and look forward to being here for the new campaign.

"I don't feel as much pressure as I did as a player then captain.

"The spotlight isn't on me so much and I feel I can now get about my business quietly. I'm definitely much more relaxed."

Dundee United stand in Celtic's way in the season finale and Lennon knows they will be fired up to dish out more last-day heartache.

He said: "It would be great to make it three in a row. But United are well organised and resilient under Craig Levein.

"They will want to win and will be hard to break down.

"But we have a good side and an excellent scorer in MacDonald.

"To net more than 30 in his first season has been outstanding and I hope Scott can add one or two more on Thursday."