Interim Celtic manager Neil Lennon has challenged the squad to prove they are good enough to stay at the club.

Lennon warned of a summer clear-out after the shock Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Ross County dashed hopes of winning silverware.

However, the former club captain hopes the players prove him wrong.

"Well, they've got six games to prove it," said Lennon. "It better be hurting the players because if it doesn't I don't know what will."

Lennon, who took temporary charge after Tony Mowbray's sacking, is trying to lift his squad for Tuesday's Scottish Premier League visit of Motherwell following their cup disappointment.

Celtic trail league leaders Rangers by 13 points and are only five clear of third-placed Dundee United.

I'll be judged over the next five or six games and assess it in the summer when I speak to the powers that be Celtic interim boss Neil Lennon

"I'm thinking about winning the next five or six games and getting closer to Rangers if we can," said Lennon.

"I want the players to prove me wrong; I criticised them, whether they liked it or not.

"I felt I said what was needed at the time and there's no point them hiding behind me.

"The board are getting a lot of criticism but the performance was nothing to do with the board."

Despite the bitter disappointment, Lennon said the Scottish Cup exit had not changed his mind about aiming to succeed Mowbray.

"It reinforces my feelings for wanting the job; I know what's required," he said. "However, I can understand the fans thinking at the minute 'he's nowhere near ready for it'.

"Again, I'll be judged over the next five or six games and assess it in the summer when I speak to the powers that be."

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