Lennon believes Celtic can pip Rangers to their fourth successive title

Celtic coach Neil Lennon believes his team is better equipped than Rangers to triumph in the title race this season.

Celtic's lead in the SPL has been cut to two points over Rangers, but Lennon says they have the resilience to stay top until the end of the campaign.

"I think we're better and more experienced in terms of winning the league," said Lennon.

"We've proved that the last three years and I think we've got players who are equipped to go the whole way again."

Victory at Ibrox in December's Old Firm derby allowed the Scottish champions to move seven points clear of Rangers.

But slip-ups against Dundee United and Aberdeen have eroded that advantage.

And the former Celtic captain said he never thought Celtic had opened up an unassailable lead after victory over their closest rivals.

"When we beat Rangers I didn't get too excited because I knew there was a long way to go and we had difficult games coming up," said Lennon.

"There will be a shift in the balance of power week in, week out and we just want to make sure that we're in the driving seat come May.

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"We're pretty confident in the players that we've got and confident we can handle the pressure."

Meanwhile Lennon said defender Darren O'Dea could soon go out on loan to English Championship side Burnley.

"I think it's something the manager wants to do for the player more than anything else," he said.

"He has been very frustrated at the lack of first-team opportunities and he is ready to play.

"I'm not too sure whether it's done yet but I think over the next week or so it will be."

Lennon added the club has invited 18-year-old Chelsea player Morten Nielsen to return for further trials before deciding whether to make a move for the Dane.

And United States international Sacha Kljestan, 23, is also still being assessed at the Lennoxtown training ground.

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