Neil Lennon has dismissed as "rubbish" suggestions that he does not want to play for Northern Ireland.

Lennon's commitment to Northern Ireland is being questioned by some fans after he withdrew from Saturday's World Cup game against Malta with a groin injury.

This will be the fourth game in succession Lennon has missed either through injury or suspension and the sixth out of Northern Ireland's last 12.

He sat out the previous two matches against Denmark and Iceland at the beginning of last month with the same groin injury.

However, he was fit enough to play the full 90 minutes for Celtic against Dunfermline three days later.

Lennon's latest cry-off comes after he played in the whole of Celtic's 2-0 Old Firm victory over Rangers on Sunday.

This has led some supporters to believe that the midfielder has lost his desire to play for his country.

Lennon, who has won 39 caps, is irritated by such talk and he insists he remains committed to Sammy McIlroy's team.

The 30-year-old says the simple truth is he cannot play against Malta because he is injured.

"People can say what they like, but I can tell you that's rubbish really," he said.

Groin problem

"My position on playing for Northern Ireland hasn't changed. "I'm injured - it's as simple as that.

"This groin problem is something I've had for a while and I've just been getting through games.

"I felt it again after Sunday's game against Rangers game and there's no way I could play."

The fans' uneasiness over Lennon dates back to February when he considered quitting international football because he was booed by a small section of Irish supporters during a friendly against Norway.

They were angry at his transfer from Leicester to Celtic and his statement that he would like to play for an all-Ireland side.