Emotional Neil Lennon hailed his players for giving him the best day of his managerial career as Celtic clinched the quadruple Treble after an incredible penalty shootout victory over Hearts at Hampden.
Lennon became the first man to win a Treble as a player and manager and admitted he found it tough to keep a lid on his emotions after his side delivered the 12th trophy in succession - a feat he reckons will NEVER be repeated.
Celtic won the Scottish Cup the hard way, throwing away a two goal half-time lead and going ahead again in extra time before being pegged back yet again by a never-say-die Hearts side, who took the lead in the penalty shootout before Conor Hazard saved the last two spot kicks to allow Kris Ajer to secure a 4-3 triumph.
Lennon said: “I’m feeling wonderful, I’m very, very proud. It’s a monumental achievement for the players, the club and for me personally.
“It means everything. To be the first person to achieve this? I don’t talk much about myself but it feels so, so special.
“A lot of work goes on behind the scenes, a lot of thinking, a lot of heartbreak at times. I’ve had some great moments, but this is the best. It means so much to me.
“It’s up there with the best days of my career, certainly as a manager.
“I missed out on the Treble the first time I was here as a manager. You’re thinking during the game that you can’t miss this opportunity because it might not come again, but it’s just monumental for me and my family.
“I’m very emotional. I’m trying to keep them all in at the minute but it’s difficult. The build up in the last couple of days has been horrible and I didn’t want this opportunity to go because it might not come round again.
“I’m so glad to be sitting here as a Treble-winning manager.”
