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Celtic boss Neil Lennon makes Aberdeen admission ahead of crucial clash
CELTIC boss Neil Lennon has admitted the clash with Aberdeen could be his side’s most important fixture of the season, and revealed his admiration for Derek McInnes' side.
Celtic: Neil Lennon speaks ahead of Aberdeen clash
Celtic manager Lennon has urged his side to go for the win, despite only only needing a draw to seal an eighth consecutive Scottish Premiership title on Saturday.
The Hoops will go ten points clear of Rangers with three games to play with a draw on Saturday, but defeat would mean that could seal the title against their old rivals next weekend.
Celtic beat Kilmarnock 1-0 last weekend to end any slim hopes Rangers had of an unlikely comeback, and Lennon has admitted that this week’s clash could be just as tight as their last.
Lennon said: ”Pittodrie is always a difficult place to go and they are going for third place.
"I make no secret of my admiration of Derek McInnes and I'm expecting a very tough game.
“They've given us plenty of problems over the last couple of seasons.”
Celtic beat Aberdeen 3-0 in the Scottish Cup semi-finals last month but drew 0-0 at home with the Dons in March.
Lennon added: ”We know what's required, we just need a point.
“We're not going up to hold off for a draw.
“We're not programmed that way. We are going to try to win the game.
"You don't want players to lose their focus. This is just like any other game really.
"It's the most important one because it's the next one.”
Despite Lennon’s intention to win the title at Pittodrie, Aberdeen goalkeeper Joe Lewis is keen to spoil the celebration by beating the Hoops.
Lewis said: “It looks like it (Celtic securing the title) is going to happen at some stage.
“I don’t want to see them jumping around and celebrating on Saturday. I want to see them on the back of us winning the game and us celebrating a victory.
“It will be a tough game obviously, but we are hopeful we can get the three points.”