Neil Lennon’s Betfred Cup record isn’t one he’ll remember fondly.
The League Cup in Scotland is the only competition that the Hoops manager hasn’t actually won as a Celtic boss. He has three Premiership titles and two Scottish Cups to his name. But, still, the League Cup has avoided his clutches.
Celtic, however, have a sensational record in the competition in recent years. Since its revamp back in 2016, the Hoops have won all three Betfred Cups on offer. It’s provided a huge stepping stone on our way to three consecutive treble campaigns. It’s an unreal level of dominance.
Something will have to give. Lenny’s poor League Cup record or Celtic’s domestic dominance. And speaking to the Scottish Sun, the Parkhead manager joked he may have a hex in the competition.
“I remember Morton, we had a good team out and peppered the goal and ended up losing 1-0. And then you ask yourself ‘Did I make too many changes?’ But then I look at the actual team and we had seven internationals playing.
“And there was one that got away when we could have got a treble but lost to St Mirren in the semi-final. The Kilmarnock final, we should have won that, should have won it hands down.
“Maybe there’s a little bit of a hex over me with the competition. We’ll see. I certainly hope not! We go into the game wanting to win the competition so we’ll put out a strong team.”
More motivation than ever to win the Betfred Cup
Celtic should have plenty of purpose about them when they take to the field against Partick Thistle on Wednesday. With Lennon never having won the competition before, we should we well up for the challenge.
Of course, this year should mean more than most to the players. It’s a chance for many in the squad to win their first trophy for Celtic. The likes of Hatem Abd Elhamed, Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, and Christopher Jullien will be desperate to taste silverware at Parkhead.
It would also set us up nicely for the second half of the season. Our rivals from across the city are also in need of a trophy this season. Starving them of all three once again would be glorious from a Celtic perspective.
And that’s why we shouldn’t be expecting another Morton, St Mirren, or Kilmarnock on Wednesday night. Lenny is likely to make changes, but he won’t go over the top. He can’t afford to.
Partick Thistle arrive at Celtic Park without a manager. They arrive without real guidance and without any confidence after their 3-0 home loss to Dunfermline Athletic yesterday.
It’s vital, however, that we don’t become too complacent. Fortunately, we have a manager who knows all about what can happen if we are.
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