Martin O’Neill has light-heartedly described Neil Lennon as his “nemesis” ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Dunfermline.
The showpiece occasion at Hampden Park will mark the first time the pair have stood in opposite dugouts, with O’Neill having previously brought Lennon to both Leicester City and Celtic during his managerial career.
Speaking to Celtic TV before Saturday’s encounter, the 74-year-old admitted he is relishing the prospect of facing his former player.
“I’m greatly looking forward to it, absolutely, against Neil Lennon, who will be my nemesis for 90 minutes, 120 minutes, or penalties, whatever it may be,” he said.
O’Neill also reflected warmly on Lennon’s impact during their time together at Leicester, praising the Irishman’s influence after arriving during a difficult spell for the club.
He added: “I owe Neil a great deal because I signed him for Leicester at a time when life wasn’t great, and we weren’t winning many matches, and he did magnificently for me in getting us immediate promotion and in the following couple of years.
“It was no wonder I wanted to sign him for Celtic, and he has a history here like you wouldn’t believe. He has managed the club brilliantly and been a brilliant player, and his record is incredible.
“We keep in touch with the occasional message, though they’ve dried up in the last few days, and I haven’t sent him anything and won’t until after Saturday, but he has done wonderfully well with Dunfermline, and we have to be really on our guard.
“The players have celebrated, that’s over now, and we have to concentrate on the game again.”
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