Celtic manager Neil Lennon noted for absence on eve of pivotal weekend Lennon, though did take time out on Twitter to write: "there seems to be no balance in the Scottish media when it comes to us." It was left to the Celtic captain, Scott Brown, to comment in person and he wisely kept matters simple when he said: "You can't say anything about anybody or it goes to the SFA. It is extremely difficult - if he [Lennon] says one word, it gets blown out of proportion. Brown also declined to be drawn into a confrontation with Charlie Nicholas, the former Celtic forward turned TV pundit, who has been a pungent critic of Lennon. "Charlie can say what he wants as well, he's a big enough boy," said the former Hibernian player. I'm sure he wouldn't like people saying that about him so I don't know why he is starting to chirp up as well. I think he [Lennon] has done a wonderful job. At one point we were 15 points behind and now we are 18 points in front so I don't know how anyone can criticise him. The gaffer is a strong character as well and he will fight through this. He just wants to win just as much as we do. It's obviously a lot harder being a manager. He obviously can't come on the park and show us what to do but at the side he does a wonderful job. I think he is a great manager. Kyle Lafferty was also on the agenda after the Rangers forward declared that victory for his side last Sunday proved that they were still the best team in Scotland. Let him concentrate on whatever he wants to say, the main thing is we keep continuing at this club and doing well and looking forward to picking up the league trophy. Asked if those comments would be used as a motivational tool, Brown replied: "No, not in the slightest, I don't think we will pay attention. People have their opinions, let them say what they want. To claim the Scottish title, Celtic need Rangers to shed points on Saturday against Motherwell at Fir Park - where they have not lost for 10 years - and follow that with a victory over a St Johnstone team who have already beaten them at home this season. Cha Du Ri and Victor Wanyama are both suspended, following their red cards in the Old Firm game. St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas, meanwhile, has warned new signing Derek Riordan he will have to fight for his place in the team. The Scotland international joined the Perth club on a short-term deal until the end of the season. "We know what we're getting and it suits both parties as it gets Derek playing again," said Lomas. He will have to fight his way into our team and that won't be easy.