Celtic clear title favourites, says Neil Lennon

After winning back-to-back domestic trebles in his first two seasons as Hoops boss, Brendan Rodgers admitted he was facing the biggest challenge of his tenure after a 2-1 defeat at Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Stuart Findlay's last-gasp winner for Killie left Celtic in sixth place with 10 points after six games, which confirmed their worst start to a league season since 1998/99.

Former Celtic captain Lennon, who managed the Parkhead club between 2010 and 2014, conceded that a more competitive title race would "of course'' be good for Scottish football.

But he added: "I have seen this many times before over the years under managers I played with, Martin (O'Neill) and Gordon (Strachan). I experienced it myself as a manager.

"Once they hit the ground running Celtic are going to be hard team to stop. I still say they are clear favourites for the title.

"With the investment Rangers have put into their squad and the improvement of other clubs it was always likely to be far more competitive this year than it has been for quite a while.

"I still think Celtic will win the league. They have the strength in depth and the quality of player.

"Just like everybody else, they are going through a little bit of a blip.''

After their convincing 3-0 win at Dundee on Saturday, Hibs are in third place on 11 points, five behind leaders and Edinburgh rivals Hearts.

Lennon's side have the best record in the Premiership in the whole of 2018, ahead of Kilmarnock on goal difference.

However, Lennon, preparing for the Betfred Cup quarter-final tie against Aberdeen at Easter Road on Tuesday night, dismissed any notion of his side being title contenders.

"I am not sure we would be consistent enough,'' he said.

"We have had a good calendar year but we still throw in the odd adverse performances as shown at Livingston a few weeks ago.

"And I don't know if we have the experience to do that. We are very happy with where we are but to say we would be in the running for the title would be folly.''

Lennon expects Aberdeen to provide as tough a test as they did in the 1-1 league draw at Easter Road a month ago.

He said: "It is a trophy that is up for grabs and we want to be into the next round.

"We are lucky with the draw, we have home advantage but unlucky in the fact we are playing a very good team in Aberdeen who have a very good cup record in recent years.

"I expect it to be a close affair again. Aberdeen will be a contender again in all competitions.'