Celtic boss Neil Lennon has praised his former teammate, Callum Davidson.
Davidson takes of charge of tomorrow’s opponents, St Johnstone. During his first season in management, he’s imprinted his own style on the Saints. Formerly a stern defensive unit and little else, Davidson has expanded the Perth side’s game.
Sitting 8th, the Saints have taken time to adjust to a new regime after the long reign of Tommy Wright. However, Lennon, who played with Davidson briefly at Leicester City, is aware of the young manager’s qualities. Offering praise in an interview with Sky Sports, Lennon said:
“Great lad.
“He was a good team-mate, a student of the game and you can see that. He’s got a wealth of experience already and he’s really putting his own footprint on St Johnstone – a cracking golfer as well. [Davidson has] done a fine job. He’s got intelligence, and you can see that.”
“It’ll be a tough one. Their results of late have been pretty impressive, obviously they made the League Cup final. They’re a difficult team to break down.
“They’ve added goals to their game, and Cal is getting the best out of Stevie May again who is having a resurgence in his form as well.”
Celtic boss Lennon and Davidson go way back
Although Lennon left Leicester City in 2000, the same year Davidson joined, there’s clearly respect there.
Davidson went on to spend 4 years with the Foxes, before joining Preston North End. Despite injuries, the left-back made over 160 appearances for Preston, before rejoining St Johnstone to wind down his playing career.
The Saints come into this game on solid, if inconsistent form. They have won 3 of their last 6 games [WhoScored?], but those wins have been separated by a draw and a loss, the last of which was against Rangers.
With Liam Gordon and former Hoops academy product Jamie McCart in defence, the Perth side are a solid defensive outlet. In midfield, the metronomic Ali McCann, reportedly a Celtic target, who boasts an excellent range of passing and is excellent at breaking up play.
Up front, the threats of May and Kane are well known. Overall, Davidson has built a side with potential. If he can keep his key men beyond the summer, there’s a real chance of this side finishing in the top 6. Lennon will be all too aware of his former colleague’s qualities, having seen his side draw 1-1 with Davidson’s in December.
A more convincing display is needed this time.
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