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Neil Lennon responds to Celtic management speculation as he targets cup final spot

Neil Lennon insists he is unmoved by increased speculation over the Celtic manager position after a raft of big names were linked with the role.

The interim boss is preparing his side for Sunday's Scottish Cup semi final with Aberdeen at Hampden as they edge closer to the treble Treble.

Question marks hang over Lennon 's long term future at Parkhead with the club set to name a permanent boss in the summer.

Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Martinez are among the high profile bosses who bookies this week had as leading contenders to take over at Celtic Park.

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Martinez's agent insists his man isn't interested, despite the Belgian moving to odds-on, while former Chelsea and Spurs boss AVB has "received no offers from Scottish clubs" according to his spokesman.

Lennon remains in charge and is determined to make his case for the job permanently by leading the Hoops to their third successive clean sweep.

And the Northern Irishman said of the speculation: “You can’t stop it. It may be that’s the way the club want to go.

"They’ll make a decision, it’s important for them that going forward they’re happy with what they’re doing."

Celtic Manager Neil Lennon (SNS Group)

Lennon is backing his side to deliver another Hampden blow to the Dons after Celtic defeated Derek McInnes' side in the Betfred Cup Final back in December.

With the title all but sewn-up he knows the Scottish Cup remains the biggest test ahead for his players.

He added: "I'm here for the players and it's important that I try to get them over the line. All I can do is focus on the game on Sunday.

"The players know they're a game away from another final. They've handled these situations brilliantly in the past few years.

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"A few injury scares have settled down this week. We should have a full complement of players to pick from.

"It's the most important game of the season simply because it's the next one. We'll always be under pressure to perform.

"We'll be focused but they'll want it as much as us. We'll need to get on the front foot, create chances and try to take them."

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