NEIL Lennon has revealed that Ibrox is one of his favourite stadiums in Scotland and admitted he is looking forward to returning there as Celtic manager for the first time in seven years next weekend.

Lennon is sure to receive a hostile reception from Rangers supporters when he arrives in Govan for the final Glasgow derby of the season on Sunday.

However, the Northern Irishman, whose team won the last Old Firm game 2-1 at Parkhead in March, is undeterred by the prospect of crossing the city for the Ladbrokes Premiership fixture.

“It’s definitely different going there with Celtic than Hibs,” he said. “It will also be strange not having that support at the back of the goal.

“But, you have to go and play the game, not the occasion. Play the game, play the opposition. So the mindset has to be right.

“It’s always a great occasion there. I like Ibrox as a stadium, believe it or not, and I enjoy going there. I look forward to it.

“I think it’s a nice stadium. I like that old fashioned sort of traditional build. The pitch is always excellent while there’s obviously always a cracking atmosphere. It tests you.

“You have to be tested in football, you have to be challenged and you have to be able to step up to that and thrive in that environment. I want my players to do that next Sunday.”

Lennon had a great track record at Ibrox as Hibernian manager – the Easter Road club won both their games there last season and drew earlier this term.

However, he is anticipating a far harder match next week against opponents who have shown excellent form in recent weeks.

“We did well there with Hibs, played very well,” he said. “But I think Rangers are improving. You’ve got to get the mind-set right and make sure you start the game well.

“I’m not going to comment on Steven’s season until maybe the end of the season. They’re doing quite well, though.

“But Celtic’s a different animal to Hibs. I think we’ve got some great players in the squad who play the big occasions very well. So I’m looking forward to that.”

Lennon was once dragged up towards the Celtic support at Ibrox after a 2-0 defeat by Rangers by his then manager Martin O’Neill.

He recounted the controversial incident as he looked forward to the last Old Firm encounter of the 2018/19 campaign this week.

“‘I’m not going up there,’ I said. ‘Aye you are!’ he said. I’ll just drag myself up next week!”