Lennon No Players Will Be Sold In Jan

Neil Lennon wants Celtic to be stronger after transfer window closes STV 28 December 2012 13:17 GMT Facebook Tweet Google
Celtic manager Neil Lennon makes his way onto the training field.SNS Group
Neil Lennon has said that he does not expect Celtic to lose any top players during January and wants to have a stronger team when the transfer window closes.

Several key players in Celtic's squad have been linked with other clubs but Lennon revealed that he has spoken to those who have been the subject of speculation and told them they will not be sold. He said that there was no reason for ambitious players to be looking elsewhere while Celtic are pursuing success in four competitions.

“Every window, we’re looking to come out of it stronger than we came into it, and this January window will be no different," he said.

“I’ve spoken to a number of players over the past week or so just to let them know that there will be a lot of speculation but as far as I’m concerned they won’t be leaving the club, so just concentrate on what they're doing.

“And why wouldn’t they be content here? We’re in four competitions- we’re in the last 16 of the Champions League, we’re top of the league, we’re in the semi-final of the League Cup and in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup, so why would you want to give that up now, having worked so hard to get there in the first place?

"There are not many other clubs who can offer the last 16 of the Champions League."

Celtic play Hibernian and Motherwell in quick succession in the SPL before the winter break and the squad will head to Spain for a training camp during the two-week lay-off. Lennon said that after a hectic fixture schedule in recent months, a chance to recharge batteries would be a huge benefit for his players.

“We knew the winter break was coming at the start of the season so we planned for it as best we could," Lennon said. “It’s important the players get some rest. They’ve played a phenomenal amount of games already. Every month has just been game after game.

“So the rest will be fantastic and then, obviously, we’ll have a change of scenery for training for a week and I hope they then come back, raring to go."

Great to hear that as I am sure there will be a few teams knocking on the door, I hope we keep our top players and bring in another 2-3 Players