As Neil Lennon returns to Hampden Park as Celtic manager for the first time since 2013, it is worth examining his record at the national stadium.
Yes, he has seen his Celtic side lose game there they really should have won. The Hoops should not have lost to Hearts, Kilmarnock or St Mirren.
Emphatic victories
It is a different story when it comes to Lennon’s record at Hampden as Celtic boss against Aberdeen. The teams met at Hampden on two occasions with the Hoops emerging comfortable winners on each occasion.
In the 2011 League Cup semi-final, the Hoops stormed to a 4-1 victory over the Pittodrie side. The Hoops were 4-0 up after only 33 minutes, with Kris Commons marking his debut with a goal.
Overcame early setback
A few months later, the teams met again, this time in the Scottish Cup semi-final. Once more Celtic were dominant, overcoming the miss of an early Anthony Stokes penalty to win 4-0.
Interestingly, Lennon came up against Aberdeen as Hibs manager two seasons ago, the then Championship side taking the Dons to extra time before losing 3-2.
Unlike the two games in 2011, Sunday’s game looks to be a very tight affair. However, Lennon does have experience of winning at Hampden against the Dons. In what could be a game of fine margins, that extra bit of experience could give the Hoops the edge on the day.
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