“I felt like I could fly!” – Neil Lennon on Celtic’s win over Hearts

Celtic’s interim manager Neil Lennon said he felt like he “could fly” after Odsonne Edouard’s stoppage-time goal earned his side all three points at Tynecastle, with the Hoops emerging as 2-1 winners.

James Forrest had put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute and things looked to be going very well for Celtic when Hearts’ Jamie Brandon was sent off for an elbow on the stroke of half-time.

However, ten minutes into the second half, Oliver Bozanic equalised from the penalty spot after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Arnaud Djoum inside the area.

The 10 men of Hearts thought they’d done enough to earn a point but two minutes into stoppage time, Edouard’s volley maintained Celtic’s eight-point advantage at the top of the league.

Speaking to the BBC, Lennon admitted he felt nervous before the game but that he was overjoyed with the result.

It was a great feeling, great moment and a nice way to win. It was joy, relief. I was so nervous before the game because it means a lot. I’m stepping into one of the best-ever’s shoes.

Although he was pleased with the result, the interim manager admitted that his side’s performance wasn’t good enough,

We made it a lot more uncomfortable than it should have been. It was a sloppy goal to give away. We shouldn’t have given the ball away, all it does is give Hearts encouragement and something to hold on to. 

Lennon also suggested that the late change of manager could have played a part in his team’s sloppy performance, admitting that it had been a ‘difficult’ few days for the players.

I’ve had it in my own career as well when you lose a manager who’s had a huge influence on you and been a mentor to you as well.