Lennon delighted with tough win

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has hailed Victor Wanyama after the Kenyan international’s wonder strike secured them a 1-0 win over Hearts.

In a tight tussle at Celtic Park, Lennon’s men had to wait until the 72nd minute of the match to go ahead when Wanyama blasted the ball into the net from 25 yards out.

The goal was enough for Celtic to close the gap on Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers to four points, and Lennon was delighted with the hard-earned three points.

“It was a brilliant goal,” Lennon told the BBC. “He hasn’t been showing that.”

“His shooting is normally as bad as mine, but I’m delighted. It was a great finish and I thought we thoroughly deserved the win.”

Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster became the hero in the final minute, with a fine save from Eggert Jonsson’s penalty to help deny Hearts a point, and Lennon felt the result was a fair one.

“We were the dominant tream, and it’s always a worry at 1-0, but I thought we dominated the game for long periods,” Lennon said.

“Hearts made it difficult – they packed the midfield and I thought Marius Zaliukas had a great game in the midfield.”

“They fought for everything and credit to them for what they’re going through.”

“It wasn’t vintage Celtic, but it was gutsy and there was some good performances.”

“We were patient and we got a wonder goal and the three points, which I felt was thoroughly deserved.”