“It’s not a day out for us.”
“I wouldn’t dismiss us. We’re the underdogs, but underdogs bite.”
Neil Lennon has fired a warning shot at Celtic ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup final at Hampden. The Dunfermline boss says the disrespect towards his side this week has only added fuel to the fire.
Lennon reacted to comments already talking about Martin O’Neill lifting the trophy with Callum McGregor and suggestions Celtic would have won a treble if O’Neill had arrived earlier in the season.
“Yeah, it adds fuel for me. It’s disrespectful, but I don’t mind,” Lennon said.
“I wouldn’t dismiss us. We’re the underdogs, but underdogs bite.”
Dunfermline have earned their place in the final after knocking out Hibernian, Aberdeen, and Falkirk on their way to Hampden. Lennon says that run has given his side belief they can shock Celtic.
“We’ll come with an inner belief that we can achieve something here,” he said.
Lennon also confirmed striker Zak Rudden is expected to return after more than three months out injured, while goalkeeper Aston Oxborough will also be available again.
The former Celtic boss also pushed back against the “master vs apprentice” narrative involving Martin O’Neill.
“I find the whole master versus apprentice thing disrespectful. I’m nobody’s apprentice,” Lennon said.
When reminded that Dunfermline are underdogs, Lennon responded firmly.
“I’ve won things as well, you know.”
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is also refusing to underestimate Dunfermline.
“It’ll be a big challenge,” O’Neill said.
“Dunfermline have already knocked out three Premiership teams, so they deserve to be here.”
For Celtic, the Scottish Cup would complete the Double after winning the league title last weekend. For Dunfermline, it’s a chance to pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent Scottish Cup history.
And Neil Lennon believes his underdogs are ready to bite.
