Martin O'Neill has jokingly branded Neil Lennon his 'nemesis' ahead of Celtic's Scottish Cup clash against Dunfermline in the final on Saturday.
The match will see the two come head-to-head for the first time, years after O'Neill signed Lennon for both Leicester City and the Hoops during his spells at the clubs. It is set to be a fantastic occasion, and the 74-year-old will be hoping to get one over on his old player.
Speaking before the match, O'Neill said via Glasgow Times: "I’m greatly looking forward to it, absolutely, against Neil Lennon, who will be my nemesis for 90 minutes, 120 minutes, or penalties, whatever it may be.
"I owe Neil a great deal because I signed him for Leicester at a time when life wasn’t great, and we weren’t winning many matches, and he did magnificently for me in getting us immediate promotion and in the following couple of years.
"It was no wonder I wanted to sign him for Celtic, and he has a history here like you wouldn’t believe.
"He has managed the club brilliantly and been a brilliant player, and his record is incredible."
The final could see O'Neill take charge of his last-ever game in management, just months after he stepped back into the dugout to take over Celtic in a time of need. He steadied the ship and led them to a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title, and he will be savouring the opportunity to end the season with a potential double.
Lennon also spoke about his former manager just days before the clash. He said: "It would have been folly of me not to take anything from him. I had ten years with Martin when I think he was in his pomp. He went through a really difficult period at the start at Leicester but showed great mental fortitude to come through it.
"What he did at Celtic for the five years he was there just totally revamped Scottish football and the club. He’s probably one of the best in Britain. He took the step to come to Celtic when I think there were a lot of suitors for him in the Premier League.
"We have a fantastic relationship. The respect I have for him is probably more than anyone else in the game.
"He’s more like a father figure. Him and John Robertson and Steve Walford, for ten years together, were just magnificent. They made football enjoyable."
Scottish Cup final is set to be a fantastic match
The Scottish Cup final will be an amazing day for all involved. Dunfermline will be hoping to get something from the match, and Celtic will know not to doubt them.
Hopefully, the Hoops will return the trophy to Paradise, but the tactical battle between O'Neill and Lennon will be one to behold. There are set to be thousands of fans supporting both sides inside Hampden, and with the Parkhead side hoping to secure a double, the atmosphere will be unreal.
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