“I had a few choice words” - Lennon disappointed after St Mirren loss

manager

Neil Lennon

referred to his side’s 2-1 loss to

in the Scottish Premiership on January 30 as “the lowest point”. It was Celtic’s first defeat to the Buddies since 1990.

The Hoops boss expressed his disappointment and his squad answered with consecutive victories against

and

. However, they are still 21 points adrift of the leaders

.

Lennon is more satisfied with the "energy and body language" and is hoping they will keep up their rich form when they go against St Mirren on Wednesday.

"

The previous two performances have been very good,

" said the Northern Irishman, who stated that Ismaila Soro is going to undergo tests after his car crash caused by the bad weather on Tuesday.

"

It is difficult to put my finger on the performance against St Mirren. We just didn't seem to have that zip about us at all and we lacked concentration at times as well.

"I had a few choice words, that was all. I told them I was bitterly disappointed.

"I haven't had to do that many times in my second spell (as boss) and I've had a good reaction so far.

"

Obviously the game has come around quickly and I am looking for a far better performance than we got at Celtic Park and build on the two recent performances."

Lennon is aware of the difficulties his squad is going through due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He continued: "

It is a huge balancing act. When I said I had some choice words, that was to the group, as a collective, not to any particular individual.

"We reminded them of their responsibilities and that the performance was unacceptable.

"The bottom line is that is my job and when they fall below the standards we set, you have to give them a jag now and again."

Soro did not participate in the training sessions due to the incident but is going to be back in action when they go into battle against Jim Goodwin’s side.

Lennon said: "

Soro had a prang in his car this morning due to the adverse weather conditions. He looks OK.

"We are just checking on him, making sure he is alright. He missed a large part of the session."

Winger James Forrest has returned to training sessions following his recovery from the ankle injury which has seen him out since September.

He said: "

Jamesy Forrest is back in training but obviously tomorrow night is too soon for him. So that's a welcome boost to the squad.

"Shane Duffy had a bit of a bug in the last couple of days but trained today so he should be available for selection. Ryan Christie is fit and back in the squad as well."

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