Neil Lennon admits his Irish roots makes him the ideal manager of Celtic. The Lurgan-born former Hoops' captain was confirmed in the post last week after a spell as interim boss at the end of last season.
In a series of question and answer roadshows, Lennon will return to Ireland next month to meet Celtic supporters in Dublin and Lurgan and he knows what the Glasgow club, which has historically-strong links with the Irish, means in his homeland.
"I'm very proud," he told Celtic's television channel, Channel 67.
"Growing up you always want to make your family proud and that never leaves you as you grow older and I think I've achieved that.
"I know a lot of people back home will be very pleased and proud for me as well.
"I want to make them as proud as I am.
"I want to put a team out there that they can all admire and follow.
"It takes a while and I've got to be patient.
They've got to show a wee bit of patience with us as well, but I'm determined to do it."
Lennon, though, understands that he has to look beyond the emotion of becoming manager of Celtic.
"I have this deep love for the club but there's a determination there that exceeds that to do well and I know the responsibilities," he said.
"I know the support that's out there, I've been brought up with it all my life and I know what it means to so many people so that is a huge responsibility, but one that I'm ready to take on."
Lennon's appointment has been warmly welcomed by his countrymen.
In a statement, the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters' Clubs said: "The Association of Irish Celtic Supporters' Clubs would like to congratulate our very own Neil Lennon on his appointment to the hot seat at Celtic Park.
"Neil was a whole-hearted and passionate player who wore the Hoops with pride and captained the club with great distinction.
"He admirably took on the role of caretaker manager in adverse circumstances towards the end of the season just past and demonstrated tremendous ability in the role.
"We wish Neil and his backroom team every success in leading the club to success in the coming season, and beyond."
