Neil Lennon tells players to 'ignore outside influences'

Neil Lennon has urged Celtic players and fans to ignore outside influences after the club voted against allowing Glasgow rivals Rangers to stay in the Scottish Premier League.

Lennon wants the club to put the Rangers newco situation behind them ahead of the new season, urging everyone involved to "move on" as a unit.

"We cannot let outside negative influences dictate the mood at Celtic," Lennon told the club's official website.

"We are very optimistic and we are very much looking forward to the season but we need our fans right with us.

"We must now move on, and move on with a collective unity between the supporters and the club and the team. We enjoyed that unity last season and we now need this to continue more than ever."

Lennon has won the SPL in both his seasons in charge of Celtic.