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{ Pleased as punch:Neil Lennon is happy with his side after their draw at Ibrox. Pic: © SNS Group

Celtic manager Neil Lennon praised his side’s performance at Ibrox after their 2-2 draw with Rangers. The Hoops came from behind twice and had to deal with the dismissal of goalkeeper Fraser Foster.

In an action packed game, Rangers went ahead after just three minutes when Jamie Ness rifled in a shot from outside the box but Celtic bounced back with a Kris Commons equaliser. Foster then saw red for fouling Steven Naismith in the box and Steven Whittaker restored Rangers lead from the spot.

Celtic were a man down when Scott Brown scored in the 64th minute but Naismith was sent off in the 75th minute to level the numbers. Lennon’s side had the upper hand in the latter stages but, despite not finding a winner, the manager was delighted with his side’s efforts.

"I thought we were absolutely brilliant," said Lennon. "Every one of the players. We had to overcome a few setbacks but played with no fear and played the way we wanted them to play.

“They set their stall out in the second half and played wonderfully well. They showed a lot of character and belief, scored two goals and created lots of chances.

"We knew at half-time that Rangers would sit it in and try to counter-attack and that would be our only danger. At half-time I said to them that there was no point in playing well and losing and that people don't remember the losers in Old Firm games.

"We controlled the game even when they had the penalty we were the dominant side and to come here and control the game is very pleasing.

"The amount of chances we created and some of the football we played was top class."

The result sets up a replay at Parkhead and guarantees seven Old Firm games this season. Asked how he felt about another Glasgow derby, Lennon said: “Absolute torture!

"I think some times it can be over-egged a bit but it's just the way the fixtures have been brought on. These are the fixtures you want to play in if you are involved in the Old Firm. These are the games that define you.

"And I will take a helluva lot of pleasure by the way my team played. I am very proud of them.

"They were brave on the ball, brave in the tackle, worked tremendously hard and when were down to 10 men we were the better team."

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