NEIL LENNON has set himself the challenge of making Bolton his new Paradise by instilling Celtic's winning qualities into the struggling Wanderers.

The former Hoops boss can't wait to get his teeth into his new job. And, with Johan Mjallby and Garry Parker back by his side, Lennon is desperate to drag his new club off the bottom of the Championship table.

That will take the kind of winning mentality which coursed through Parkhead during his 14 years as a player then manager. And the 43-year-old is intent on giving his new troops an injection of the qualities which made Celtic so successful.

After taking his first training session with the Trotters, Lennon explained why he was selected ahead of the likes of Chris Hughton, Stevie Clarke and Tony Mowbray as Dougie Freedman's successor.

"They want me to endeavour to bring a winning mentality to the team, and not just at first-team level, but right through the club," his tone confirming he has lost none of his trademark enthusiasm and determination.

"It was in our DNA at Celtic to win. A draw wouldn't be satisfactory.

"You had to win week in, week out, and play to a certain standard.

"Over the 14 years as player, coach and manager I was used to that.

"Johan played with me and worked with me, so he has that mentality as well.

"We want to instil that into the players."

Lennon would have preferred to take over at a club which was sitting in a less perilous position.

But he is confident he can drag Bolton up off bottom spot by quickly adding to the meagre haul of five points they have accumulated in their opening 11 games.

Lennon is acutely aware what he has achieved in his managerial career to date will carry no currency in his new role, nor buy him any time.

So, he wants to make an immediate impression - and that means winning at Birmingham this weekend.

After five months out of work, and having seen so many jobs go to others, he is desperate to get stuck in and said: "It's a huge challenge, a massive challenge and that's what I was looking for.

"Bolton have entrusted me with this opportunity, and I am very grateful for that.

"We've got good players here. The structure and the infrastructure of the club is fantastic.

"It's got everything you need for Premier League football, never mind Championship football."

However, Lennon accepts results since they fell out of the top flight two years ago have not reflected this, and that it is now his job to deliver.

He laid out his initial gameplan and explained: "You try and instil confidence, work pretty hard on the training ground and be patient.

"We've got 35 games to go in the league, so there's plenty of time to get it right."