Neil Lennon admits he feels vindicated after managing Celtic to this season's Scottish Premier League title.
The Hoops clinched the premiership with a 6-0 win at Kilmarnock on Saturday and Lennon was absolutely thrilled after the match, indicating that he believes he has made it in the managerial game after a indifferent beginning.
"I was walking behind (former Celtic managers) Martin O'Neill, Gordon Strachan, Wim Jansen, Davie Hay, Billy McNeill and Mr Stein.
"But now I feel I can step out and walk alongside them and that's a fantastic feeling for me."
He added: "You are ultimately judged by championships - winning cups isn't enough.
"People outside will say 'they're only this, they're only that' but to win a title in your country is special.
"I'll tell you how hard it is - it's so hard we haven't done it in three years.
"To have achieved it is a great day for the club, the supporters - and the Lennon family as well.""I feel vindicated now. I felt as though I was on probation as Celtic manager before," Lennon said.
