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Celtic logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 26
Jan 27, 2021 at 7.45pm UK
Celtic Park
Hamilton logo

Celtic
2 - 0
Hamilton

Griffiths (12'), Edouard (48')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Neil Lennon sends message to Vasilis Barkas after Hamilton Academical win

Neil Lennon said post-match that Scott Bain would continue between the sticks.

Neil Lennon told Vasilis Barkas he needs to improve on several fronts after the Greece keeper was dropped for Celtic's 2-0 win over Hamilton at Parkhead.

The 26-year-old signed for a reported fee of £5million in the summer from AEK Athens but has failed to impress and made way for Scott Bain to play his first game since November.

Barkas watched from the bench as Celtic returned to winning ways after four Scottish Premiership games without a victory.

Leigh Griffiths fired in a long-distance opener after 11 minutes and returning strike partner Odsonne Edouard added a neat second early in the second half.

Afterwards Lennon, who has also used 22-year-old Conor Hazard this season, explained his decision to bring back Bain.

He said: "I don't think Vasilis has settled. He's not the presence at the minute that he can be

"I think he needs a bit of adaptation, more time. I don't think he is up to the speed and physicality of the game.

"I made the decision to bring Scott back in, he has been knocking at the door. I think he has done OK, he was comfortable tonight.

"You will probably see the best of Vasilis as we go along, not just at this moment.

"I have spoken to him on a number of occasions over the course of the season. We're hoping and expecting more from him as we go along.

"He understands, he is one of them who maybe suffered with the way life is at the minute.

"Sometimes you take it for granted that these guys are going to come in and adapt straight away, some take a bit longer and he is in that category.

"He has admitted on a few occasions that he probably hasn't been at his best. He can improve his physicality, shot stopping and general influence around the box.

"He has good ability, I don't think we have seen the best of him yet. Scott will continue in goal."

Lennon, who hopes to have a couple of deals done before the transfer window closes, was pleased with his side's win.

He said: "It was a good performance. I liked the way we played and the energy and style of play.

"I was disappointed we didn't win by more, but it's just a very small disappointment. The attitude and enthusiasm of the players was excellent."

Accies remain bottom of the table but boss Brian Rice was far from despondent.

He said: "I thought the boys were exceptional. I've come here against as strong a Celtic team as possible and we've lost 2-0 with an early goal in the first half and an early goal in the second half but we never crumbled.

"We stuck to our plan, defended resolutely, I thought we defended fantastically well and there were a lot of good performances,

"I'm proud of the way the boys played and I looked at the end there and had a smile on my face, with them bringing on Tom Rogic and Ryan Christie, and I'm bringing on Andy Winter and Reegan Mimnaugh – I think that just shows you where both clubs are.

"So for us to come here and play like we did, I'm delighted."

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Celtic manager Neil Lennon pictured on October 17, 2020
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
CCeltic440092286490
2RangersRangers430184295584
3Hearts412151391267
4Kilmarnock41124543255
5St Mirren41124449-547
6Dundee40044867-1941
Relegation Group
1Aberdeen44004650-447
2Hibernian42025158-745
3Motherwell42025557-243
4Ross County41123665-2934
5St Johnstone40132753-2632
RLivingston42022869-4124
 
First Phase
CCeltic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
RLivingston3339212259-3718


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