Neil Lennon has dismissed Hearts' chances of repeating last season's dramatic title challenge, instead tipping Derek McInnes' Rangers to provide a sterner test for Celtic this campaign.
Hearts' near miss and summer exodus
The Jambos came within three minutes of a stunning Premiership triumph on the final day at Celtic Park before Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand struck late to snatch the crown. However, Lennon believes the Gorgie side cannot mount another serious bid after losing manager McInnes and talismanic skipper Lawrence Shankland to Ibrox, along with defender Craig Halkett facing a long-term injury.
Speaking to BBC Sportsound, Lennon said: "What can we look forward to this campaign? Maybe a bit more stability, if you want to call it that, of the sort of tried and tested. Celtic got over the line in the end but eight defeats in the league speaks for itself. Then obviously the consistency of Hearts, they just failed. I just thought it was maybe too early for Hearts."
Lennon's verdict on Hearts' prospects
"Do I expect more from them this season? No I don't, because of the changes. They've lost their manager, they've lost their striker, Craig Halkett's out for a long time. The spine of their team is gone. Tony Bloom recruits brilliantly and is a genius but can they have the same effect? They've got Europe this year as well. I'm not sure they'll get as close."
Instead, Lennon expects Rangers to close the gap under McInnes. "I'm expecting Rangers to get closer. They are buying British and Scottish and have Derek in there now. Rangers is his club so he'll want to make that count. It's looking like it's going to be a dramatic season again but I don't think it'll come anywhere near what last season brought."
Praise for Martin O'Neill
Lennon also hailed Celtic boss Martin O'Neill after the Irishman committed to another year following last season's Double. Lennon's Dunfermline side lost to Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final. "He did brilliantly last year, no surprise to me. I think he earned the right to be manager of Celtic, regardless of his age or where he is. The consistency he brought to the team was so badly needed and a composure about the team as well. To be fair, they finished the season really well. And then he's backed up by Shaun (Maloney), Fozzy (Mark Fotheringham) and big Stephen (McManus). So what they've got is settled which it wasn't last year."
Celtic's summer transfer plans
Celtic remain the only top-flight club yet to make a signing this summer, but Lennon is confident O'Neill's squad will take shape. "I'm sure they'll bring in the right players when the timing's right and obviously the World Cup's still going on, there's a lot going on at the minute. I'm sure he'll want to make his own stamp on things which he didn't get the chance to do last year."
