Football: NEIL: I NEARLY QUIT CELTIC

CELTIC midfielder Neil Lennon has admitted he "briefly considered" quitting Parkhead in the wake of the death threat which brought a halt to his international career.

The Northern Ireland star withdrew from the side to face Cyprus in midweek after a phone call to the BBC warned of a threat to Lennon.

The 31-year-old announced his intention not to play for his country again the following day. But Lennon has revealed how he also thought about leaving his club after the incident.

Lennon said: "I thought about it briefly and, if it comes about when I am playing for Celtic, then obviously I might have to re- consider but it's not happened yet - touch wood."

Northern Irish manager Sammy McIlroy had hoped the player would re- consider his decision to retire from the international arena.

But, after the 1-0 win at Partick Thistle, Lennon concedes any return is unlikely. "I wouldn't have thought I will return.

"I spoke to Sammy McIlroy briefly and Jim Boyce (IFA president) and they left the door open to me.

"But it would be very difficult to go back. I can't keep going back and putting my family through it all every time.

"I don't feel comfortable with the situation and so there's no point going on.

"Even though it might be a hoax, the past couple of days have been incredibly difficult.

"That has nothing to do with football and I don't want to keep opening up the same can of worms so hopefully that will be the end of it."

However, the former Leicester City man was just happy to be back on the pitch again and able to put the events, which he revealed stopped him from sleeping some nights, behind him.

Lennon said: "I am delighted with the game and the result as well. It was a nice way to end what has been a really tough week.

"The manager picked his team and I was happy to go along with that.

"I have had a few sleepless nights since Wednesday and it was a tough decision to make.

"My mind's been churning for the last few days but I'm glad that I can now put it behind me."

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill substituted Lennon in the second half at Firhill but insisted the decision was a footballing one.

O'Neill said: "I just thought it had been a traumatic couple of days for Neil, but he's come through it very well indeed. Like a number of players he was getting tired in the game."

Copyright 2002 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.