At the close of another year, is it safe to say that Neil Lennon’s Celtic have really turned the corner? The evidence would seem to suggest that Celtic are now turning in consistent performances and achieving a level very few would have thought possible, even a month ago.

On November 5th, things did indeed look precarious for Neil Lennon with Celtic a massive fifteen points behind the seemingly invincible Rangers. As the laptop loyal sharpened their crayons in anticipation of penning Lennon’s obituary, Celtic somehow managed to confound their biggest critics (and indeed a large section of the Celtic support) and turn the boat around as it headed for the rocks. With next Wednesday’s Old Firm game looming, the deficit has been dramatically slashed to just one single point with Celtic having home advantage.

To what do we attribute this fantastic comeback? To some the game at Rugby Park was the critical point, when Celtic managed to snatch honour from the jaws of ignominy. Three nil down at half time, it looked as if there was no way back for Lennon’s men. Whatever was said at half time had the desired effect and Celtic fought back to grab a draw.

What is sometimes forgotten is that Celtic are only now getting their best players back, Lennon seemed to be cursed with key players being injured and never having the luxury of playing a settled team. There was a constant need to play different players in new systems every game.

The effect this had on the balance of the team is obvious to everybody.

I had seen Wanyama a few times down in Belgium, but had doubts whether or not he could adapt to the whirly burly of Scottish football. My doubts were soon put to rest as we have seen the big man clearly demonstrate that he could go on and become a big star at Celtic Park.

There are several other youngish players on the fringes and the mood at Celtic Park is upbeat. In general, we have a relatively young squad which is developing at a pleasing rate. I will make no rash predictions about next Wednesday’s game, but suffice to say if we get a fair crack of the whip from the referee then I would be very confident about the rest of the season.

Were Neil Lennon to wrest the SPL championship from Rangers, it would be a magnificent achievement given what this man had to endure last year. Lennon as a manager seems different this year, a bit more distant and analytical. The Scottish press would no doubt ascribe this change of behavior to their role in making Neil Lennon ‘behave’ in a dignified way. Neil Lennon has certainly learned, but not in the way they mean.

First of all, he is much smarter than they give him credit. He knows how things work in Scottish football from his past experiences, the first thing to do is get even, don’t get angry.

Secondly, Neil Lennon knows that if he can win the SPL title his long- term future at Celtic Park is secure and he and his team, will have the opportunity to build a team that will do the club proud for many years.

Finally there is the personal aspect between Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist. I am not so sure that McCoist is quite the affable, cheeky chappie that he likes to present and which is cultivated by the Scottish media. We will probably never know what McCoist said to Neil Lennon at the infamous game at Celtic Park, but whatever it was enragedLennon. As we see McCoist’s limitations being exposed with every passing week, next Wednesday will be a great opportunity for Neil to shake his hand at the end of the game as Celtic run out winners.

Smile, retain a dignified silence and watch Rangers implode. The future belongs to Neil Lennon’s Celtic.