NEIL LENNON knows it's good to talk – and he wants meaningful dialogue both with the Green Brigade and his players.

The Celtic manager reckons there is a need for everyone to air their opinions, preferably in more a constructive and calm environment than was witnessed at the weekend when he became embroiled in a spat with some supporters behind the dugout as his side lost to Inverness.

The boycott by the Green Brigade – which they plan to repeat this weekend when Arbroath come to Parkhead – over what they consider to be unfair harassment by the authorities detracted from the atmosphere and backing the team can nor-mally expect.

Lennon is advocating meeting with representatives of the disgruntled fans' group to get them back on board.

He said: "There's no doubt they do bring something special to the stadium. We want them back.

"I understand why they didn't come to the game, but I'd like to sort it out with dialogue and get them back in there supporting the team as they brought so much to the club, the stadium, and so much help to the players and myself since I've been in charge."

Lennon has already opened the lines of communication with his players, taking them through Saturday's disappointing game minute by minute.

And his final word is that much better will have to be delivered when they get back into action at Tynecastle tonight.

As always, there will be a large and vocal following of Hoops supporters, and Lennon said: "The fans are right to expect us to win at home against Inverness, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone. We expect that as well.

"So there is obviously an area which we have to improve.

"In the overall scheme of things, with players being injured and players coming back, we will hope to have a fruitful, successful season.

"There is a determination about the players. They feel it as well and they want to get it right."

If they do, the likelihood of any more altercations between manager and fans will drama- tically reduce, though Lennon reserves the right to have his say.

He said: "I get involved because I'm a manager. I think the world of my players and think the world of my supporters as well.

"If I was the manager of Accrington Stanley, I'd do exactly the same thing at times. The way results are going, I might soon be.

"I don't think I should change. I'm defending my team."