Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic has hailed the impact interim manager Neil Lennon has had at the club and praised him for giving him a “new beginning” in his career.
Simunovic has started the previous four games under Lennon after a disappointing start to the season, where he suffered two knee injuries.
Speaking to footballscotland, the 24-year-old said: “I would say that it’s a new beginning for me and I feel good. There are still important games before the end of the season and I am looking game-by-game, but I just want to go forward and keep going as I am at the moment”.
The Croatian admitted the arrival of Lennon has been nothing but positive, “I always think that when a new manager comes it brings something new, something positive or some changes.
“The manager has brought that for me, personally, and for some of the other players here as well. I am playing consistently and that was the most important thing for me.”
Lennon’s faith in Simunovic paid off on Saturday, as the towering defender scored the winner against Kilmarnock to put the Hoops one win away from yet another title.
OPINION
It is no doubt that Juzo Simunovic has endured a disappointing season with injury preventing him from consistent game time at Celtic. Neil Lennon has arrived and their form has not been effected with his side winning seven and drawing three in his second tenure at the Scottish champions. In his four starts since returning to the squad, Simunovic has overseen two wins and two draws with all four fixtures ending with clean sheets which is bound to impress boss Lennon. The defender’s comments show that with the arrival of the interim boss, many have been given a fresh start and that has seen them revel in that positive change. With the title and another cup on the line in the coming weeks, it was the perfect time for Simunovic to return to form for his side and will now be a certainty to start in the next few games. With the future of Dedryck Boyata in doubt, Simunovic has the opportunity to become his side’s main defender in the coming seasons, especially if Neil Lennon signs a long term deal.