Bullish Paul Lambert has defended Neil Lennon against his Celtic critics - insisting those protesting at Parkhead were not real supporters.
The Ipswich Town boss also reckons his old teammate can turn the 10 In A Row title bid around with a win at Ibrox in the New Year Old Firm derby in despite the fan fury.
Lambert learned all about the pressure cooker at Parkhead during his eight year spell at the club, but insists pal Lennon is allowed to lose games especially after all he has given to the club.
He told the Celtic Huddle podcast when asked about the fan protests: "What I saw in these scenes wasn’t real Celtic fans.
"I’ve never ever seen them doing that. I spoke to Lenny the other week there and I asked him how he was, and the disappointment was the reaction of the fans after a couple of games where they haven’t been winning.
"Everybody is entitled to lose games. That can happen at any time, and I think that’s when they needed the support.
"To be fair to the board they got behind him and I think that’s important that they showed him support.
"I mean they’ve won 12 trophies on the spin. That’s an incredible record to achieve no matter what way you want to look at it, and hopefully it’s not over, but they have to go to Ibrox and win."
He believes Lennon can't afford to return from Govan with anything less than three points, but says the Premiership title dream isn't over yet at Parkhead.
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"They’re hoping to have to lay down a marker on them and pull them back, and if they get the three points it could be a catalyst to go and try and kick on again.
"They cannot afford to lose the game or it will be too difficult for them to claw back."
The former Celtic skipper has called for an all-out attack to put pressure on Steven Gerrard 's side this weekend, with both Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths being handed a starting spot.
“I think Griffiths is a really good goal scorer," continued Lambert. " Whatever his troubles are off the pitch I don’t really know, but on the pitch he can score a goal that’s in no doubt.
"Edouard is a strange one for me. Sometimes he does great things and other times he looks like he is nowhere near it.
"If you’ve got two goalscorers on the pitch you certainly have a chance."
