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Leading Dunfermline to final 'up there with anything' for Lennon
TL;DR
Neil Lennon could lead Dunfermline Athletic to the Scottish Cup final against Martin O'Neill. Dunfermline secured their spot after a penalty shoot-out win over Falkirk and await the winner of Celtic vs. St Mirren.
Key points
- Neil Lennon leads Dunfermline Athletic.
- Dunfermline won a penalty shoot-out against Falkirk.
- They await the winner of Celtic vs. St Mirren.
- Martin O'Neill is Celtic's interim manager.
- Lennon has a history of success with Celtic.
Mentioned in this story
Neil LennonMartin O'Neill
Dunfermline AthleticCelticSt MirrenScottish Cup
The last time Neil Lennon led a side to victory in a Scottish Cup final, he was offered the Celtic job in the Hampden showers after the game.
This time, the 54-year-old Northern Irishman could be leading his Dunfermline Athletic side out at the national stadium in opposition to his managerial mentor at Celtic Park, compatriot Martin O'Neill.
Dunfermline's penalty shoot-out victory over Falkirk on Saturday means they await the winners of Sunday's second semi-final between Celtic and St Mirren.
A win for Celtic and Lennon will stand between O'Neill - who is currently the Scottish champions' interim manager for the second time this term - and a fourth Scottish Cup triumph in charge of the Glasgow side.
Lennon played for O'Neill in all three of those before one more winners' medal as a player before winning four more as a manager.
Now he has the chance of lead Dunfermline to their third-ever Scottish Cup final triumph and he says even reaching the final is "up there with anything" he has achieved in his career to date.
- Dunfermline beat bitter rivals Falkirk on penalties to reach Scottish Cup final
- Four months on, all change as Celtic & St Mirren meet at Hampden again
Lennon hails Dunfermline mentality
Lennon had himself been appointed Celtic's interim manager after Brendan Rodgers left the club first time round for Leicester City in 2019.
That 2-1 Scottish Cup final win over Hearts completed a domestic treble and led to that famous permanent job offer.
It has parallels with his time at East End Park. Appointed on a short-term deal until the end of the season last March, he led Dunfermline clear of relegation before earning a two-year contract.
His young side flirted with relegation early on this season too, but they have started to find a consistency that has lifted them up to third place and a chance to win promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs.
Now they have added Falkirk to the two previous Premiership scalps - Hibernian and Aberdeen - on their way to the cup final on 23 May.
"It is amazing," he told BBC Scotland after collapsing to his knees to kiss the Hampden turf. "I thought we were great today. The game was attritional and there were a lot of nerves out there."
Former Falkirk forward Callumn Morrison and 17-year-old striker Lucas Fyfe had the best opportunities to win it before the penalty shoot-out.
Q&A
Who is Neil Lennon and what is his connection to Dunfermline Athletic?
Neil Lennon is a 54-year-old Northern Irish manager leading Dunfermline Athletic, previously known for his success with Celtic.
What was the outcome of Dunfermline's recent match against Falkirk?
Dunfermline won against Falkirk in a penalty shoot-out, securing their place in the Scottish Cup final.
Who will Dunfermline face in the Scottish Cup final?
Dunfermline will face the winner of the semi-final match between Celtic and St Mirren.
What is Martin O'Neill's role in the upcoming Scottish Cup final?
Martin O'Neill is the interim manager of Celtic and could potentially face Neil Lennon in the final if Celtic wins their semi-final.
