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Neil Lennon may not admit it, but the international break has come at the right time for him as Celtic’s interim manager.

After a dogged and determined pair of displays in the capital, Celtic have stuttered under his watch in their last two games.

Although they found a late winner against Dundee, Celtic were far from their fluent best against the relegation candidates.

Lennon now has two weeks to prepare his squad for a titanic clash against Rangers.

The draw against Aberdeen last week was a real body blow for the side. It ended their perfect home record in the league this season.

Also, it denied them the chance to go 10 points clear of Rangers in the league. Although they rectified that at Dundee, they really should be sitting 12 clear of their rivals today.

It seemed like a real momentum killer, and maybe Odsonne Eduoard’s winner at Dundee can spark Celtic again.

However, Lennon must use the international break to get his side ready for the derby clash at Celtic Park.

Celtic have been uninspiring in their last two games. They have looked toothless in attack and some players are not at their best.

Lennon’s team selection and use of substitutions have been confusing also. When needing inspiration in Dundee, Lennon bypassed Oliver Burke, Timothy Weah and new boy Vakoun Bayo.

Instead, Lennon opted for Jonny Hayes to come on and play on the right hand side of midfield.

Lennon’s gamble appeared to pay off with Edouard’s winner, however it bodes a negative sign for the future.

With such an array of attacking talent at his disposal, it’s worrying if Lennon thinks Hayes is the answer.

Biggest derby in years

Celtic have a chance in two weeks to go 13 points clear of their rivals in the league. With only seven games remaining after the derby, a victory would see Celtic eight points away from eight-in-a-row.

However it seems that the longer Lennon is in interim charge, the worse his side performs.

That’s something Lennon must curb, and quickly, if he wants to manage Celtic on a full-time basis again.