Former Celtic player and Sky Sports co-commentator, Davie Provan saw Celtic spark into life this week at Lille but he took exception to the notion the media was behind any loss of form.
I think Provan has missed the point altogether when it comes to Neil Lennon having a go at the media last week. He didn’t blame anyone cover Celtic as the reason or issues behind some poor performances, he called out the over the top reaction and hyperbole surrounding a couple of defeats.
The Celtic manager called out two tabloids for running a poll asking whether he should keep his job or not. That was the issue for the manager, not blaming anyone for the clubs form.
Celtic put on a good performance against Lille and while they took a two goal lead in the first half, a very impressive Lille side roared back and managed to make it 2-2 on the evening.
Provan sees signs of life but does admit Celtic have their problems with Shane Duffy, who he tipped to stroll it up here when he first signed for Celtic.
“After defeat to Rangers and AC Milan, he finally saw his team spark against a very good Lille side.” Provan wrote in his SunSport column.
“It’s the first time this season Celts have looked a proper team.
“Celtic aren’t behind in the title race because of any media conspiracy. You can’t blame pundits for ten goals leaked in the last four games.
“They trail because they’ve been off it since the beginning of the season. But the performance in Lille could be a turning point.
“Lennon’s team played well enough to be out of sight by half- time. That first 45 minutes must have done a lot for confidence.
“Going into today’s game, the obvious problem lies at centre-back after injuries to Christopher Jullien and Kris Ajer.
“Shane Duffy simply has not been good enough. I’ll hold my hands up here, I saw enough of the big fella at Brighton to believe he’d stroll it in Scotland.
“Alongside Lewis Dunk, he was a warrior for the south coast outfit, but for whatever reason he’s been all over the place for Celtic. The needless challenge that led to Lille’s penalty was typical of his judgment right now.
“Duffy needs to be better against an Aberdeen side that matched Celts last week.”
