Hibernian vs Celtic preview: Neil Lennon returns to Easter Road with Hoops

Scottish Cup quarter-final tie kicks off at 5.15pm on Saturday

New Celtic boss Neil Lennon insists there will be no bitterness on his part as he prepares to make his Easter Road return.

The Northern Irishman parted company with former club Hibernian just four weeks ago, but he will be back in Leith on Saturday as he looks to guide the Hoops into the semi-finals of the William Hill Scottish Cup (kick-off 5.15pm).

Lennon said: "It's not about me. I'm working for the players and with the players. There might be a few sub-plots with me going back but it's not the major issue here. The major issue is for me to help negotiate a very difficult cup tie.

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"What kind of reception am I expecting? I think I'll get a better one than I got at Tynecastle on Wednesday night. It will be a bit surreal going back so early but I'm ready for it, I'm prepared for it. I know what's required.

"There will be no bitterness going back. Not at all. Far from it. I don't look bitter, do I?"

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Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom is excited for the clash, and says although Lennon knows his team extremely well, he will not be aware of their instructions for Saturday's game.

"We're taking them on at our place, which is good for us, and everyone is looking forward to it.

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Image: Paul Heckingbottom is looking to take Hibs into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup for the sixth time in eight years

"[Lennon] is going to know the players, but he's not going to know what we ask them to do."

Team news

Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie are still out injured for Celtic, but Dedryck Boyata has reacted well to a knock and will be ready for Saturday.

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