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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Charlie Nicholas lays into 'smug' and 'angry' Neil Lennon as he makes Celtic vs Rangers 'respect' statement

Charlie Nicholas lays into 'smug' and 'angry' Neil Lennon as he makes Celtic vs Rangers 'respect' statement

CHARLIE NICHOLAS has accused Neil Lennon of "smugness" and "anger" during his stints as Celtic manager.

The former Parkhead manager is now managing in Cyrpus and Nicholas says he lacked the respect that is now being shown by Ange Postecoglou and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Writing in the Daily Express, he said: "I loved the show of respect and humility between Ange Postecoglou and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

"The rival Old Firm managers shook hands and embraced on the pitch at the end of the 1-1 draw.

"The gesture reminded me of how Jock Stein or Tommy Burns represented the club - Postecoglou behaves like a proper Celtic manager.

"Van Bronckhorst also deserves enormous credit. Even their comments after the game were great, especially Postecoglou's. There was none of that smugness and anger we used to get from Neil Lennon."

Nicholas also reckons Rangers deserve major credit if they can reach the Europa League final on Thursday.

Van Bronckhorst's team are a goal down against RB Leipzig, but with a full Ibrox behind them in the home leg, anything can happen.

Nicholas added: "It's only a matter of time before Celtic reclaim the title but if Rangers reach the Europa League final it would be every bit as big an achievement as winning the Premiership.

"I have always said that the measure of a top team is how they fare in Europe.

"Rangers deserve huge credit for getting to the last four and this Thursday we will see if they can overturn their 1-0 deficit against RB Leipzig.

"That would definitely be a major feat, but if they pull it off at Ibrox I actually think they'd face an easier task in the final.

"Taking on Eintracht Frankfurt orWest Ham in a one-off clash in Seville to lift the Europa League trophy - what a chance that would be.

"I remember travelling to Seville with Celtic in 2003 to watch their UEFA Cup final against Jose Mourinho's Porto.

"Most Hoops fans who headed for Spain were of the same mind that this was a step up.

"Celtic were forking out a fortune for players back then and they lost the final, but look how fondly that Martin O'Neill team is remembered.

"It was an enormous step forward for the club and it would be the same for Rangers.

"Giovanni van Bronckhorst's credibility would go through the roof."

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