Celtic icon John Hartson ‘hurt and disappointed’ by Neil Lennon who says former teammate’s opinion ‘means nothing’ after sack claim

Celtic legend John Hartson has admitted he's been left 'hurt and disappointed' by his former teammate Neil Lennon's latest remarks.

The under-fire Celtic boss launched a vociferous defence of the club's winter training camp trip to Dubai amid growing criticism from several sections of the media and the Scottish government.

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Lennon also rubbished Hartson's view that he should be sacked as Celtic boss - with the Bhoys a mammoth 21 points behind arch-rivals and league leaders Rangers in the Premiership standings.

“John has an opinion, like more people on the periphery of the game," Lennon said.

“You either take it on board or you don’t. It has no impact on me. It means nothing.

“When he praises me, it means nothing. When he’s talking about me losing my job or being removed from my post, it means nothing to me. But when you are on the media side it’s an easy life.”

And that response didn't go unnoticed by Hartson, who stressed he had been a huge supporter of Lennon for many years.

“Neil said my opinion doesn’t matter to him and that’s up to him," . “But I was only giving my honest opinion on how things are at Celtic.

“To be honest, I’m hurt and disappointed that he’s chosen to come out and have a go at me. Listen, he’s clearly a man under severe pressure so it’s maybe understandable.

“He’s only human and it must be difficult to handle everything that’s going on right now. But he’s got to know that I wasn’t having any personal dig at him.

"Far from it, because I’ve been arguably his biggest supporter down the years."

He continued: “The truth is, I’ve given him huge support throughout his two spells as manager.

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“In the media, I’ve written countless columns backing him and it’s been the same when I’ve gone on the radio or TV.

“When I speak to fans I’ve always said he’s the right man for the job.

“That’s actually been to my own detriment at times as I’ve come in for some real criticism from Celtic supporters who have often accused me of sticking up for him just because he’s a pal.

“People reckon it’s been an old pals’ act from me. If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard that a thousand times.”