Neil Lennon has quipped that the psychological sparring is already in motion between himself and Martin O’Neill as Celtic gear up for their Scottish Cup final clash with Dunfermline…
The Scottish Cup final could represent the final chapter of O’Neill’s managerial career, adding further intrigue to the contest.
Martin O’Neill will go head-to-head with Neil Lennon – his former player that he signed at both Leicester City and Celtic – in their first meeting as managers at Hampden Park next month.
Playing against my team, my manager
Speaking via Premier Sports, Lennon said: “Obviously, [we’re] playing against my team, you know? My manager. It’s incredible.”
“This could be Martin’s last game professionally as a manager, and I’m walking out for the first time against him! He’s not been on the phone, so maybe the mind games have started already, but what a privilege that’s going to be.”
‘It’s him managing against him’
Speaking about the respect he has for O’Neill, Lennon added: “Of course, yeah, that will never change [calling Martin O’Neill gaffer].”
“Basically, it’s him managing against him. Because I’ve picked up everything — he’s the biggest influence on my career, the way I approach the game, the mindset, training, all the programmes that we do.”
“It’s stuff that I learned from Martin. Obviously, he did it from [Brian] Clough as well. So it’s a generational thing. But I admire him so much, he’s probably the guy I admire most in football. And to see him back at 74, managing Celtic, is incredible.”
Dunfermline will have six games in play in play-offs to win promotion
Before that, both O’Neill and Lennon have massive games to play for. Celtic know that they are four wins from the title as they head to Easter Road on Sunday to go level with Hearts who face the latest Ibrox club at Tynecastle on Monday night.
For Dunfermline, they can finish third on Friday night against Arbroath who they will play three times in eight days. The Pars will have to negotiate six matches in the playoffs if they are to make it to the Scottish Premiership.
🏁 @officialdafc manager Neil Lennon discusses the achievement of reaching the Scottish Cup final and looking ahead to facing Celtic and his former manager
“This could be Martin’s last game professionally as a manager, and I’m walking out for the first time against him.” 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/N2nfZM6FRr
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 28, 2026
Conor Spence
