(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has hailed Angelo Alessio following his start to life at Kilmarnock.
After a rough Europa League experience against Connah’s Quay Nomads, Killie have bounced back in terrific fashion. They have won their last two fixtures and haven’t conceded in four games.
Alessio has got Kilmarnock going. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The initial doom and gloom of European failure against the Welsh part-timers has been swept away somewhat. They sit just a point outside the top six and are one game away from a cup semi-final at Hampden.
Lennon has recognised Alessio’s resilience and has praised him for the impact he has had so far in Ayrshire.
He told the Daily Record: “Obviously he is trying to get his own techniques or ideas or practices across to the players but now you can see they are starting to take shape.
Celtic boss Lennon admires the work Alessio has put in so far. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
“They have had a couple of great results of late and I think that takes a bit of character from the coach. They have had a fantastic couple of seasons and I am sure Angelo will be looking to maintain that.
“Only time will tell but he obviously has great coaching experience of the game and I am looking forward to locking horns with him on Sunday.”
Whilst he has improved performances in games against Hamilton, Aberdeen, St Johnstone and Hibs, nothing can prepare Alessio for a trip to Parkhead.
His biggest test yet. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
It’s a daunting place for all teams in the SPFL, with most of them struggling to get anything from Lennon’s side at home.
They are in good form heading into it though. Against a rampant Celtic side who have scored 18 goals in five league matches, they’ll need to show the defensive shrewdness that has seen them pick up four clean sheets in a row.
Killie know what it’s like to be thumped in Glasgow. In recent times, they have faced 5-1, 5-0, 6-1 and 4-1 thrashings. A couple of draws here and there though shows they have the ability to dig in for points.
It’s always a scrap. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Whatever happens today, Alessio will learn a few things from facing Scotland’s best side.