Johan Mjallby: Nine years ago, I saw first-hand Neil Lennon saving his job at Celtic… he can do the same again

Johan Mjallby’s loyalty to Neil Lennon is unquestionable.

The pair have enjoyed many successful times together, as both players and in management.

But Mjallby is also a realist.

The Swede knows his pal needs to get results quickly to turn things around at Celtic.

Indeed, if victory isn’t secured at home against St Johnstone this afternoon, it could spell the end of the Northern Irishman’s 22 months in charge.

Mjallby wants to see things go in Lennon’s favour again – just as they did at Rugby Park when he was his assistant, and they headed for the dressing room at half-time three goals down.

Celtic were 10 points behind Rangers, and defeat that afternoon would likely have resulted in Lennon being dismissed.

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Forty-nine-year-old Mjallby told The Sunday Post: “I was with Neil that day. At half-time, we all knew how crucial it was to avoid defeat. Rangers were ahead of us and we couldn’t afford to lose.

“During the 15-minute interval, Neil laid it on the line to the players.

“He said his bit, and it was up to the lads to show if they were able to respond in a positive way.

“Well, they were brilliant in the second half. It was a powerful performance.

“James Forrest, Anthony Stokes, Charlie Mulgrew and Victor Wanyama all got stuck in.

“They took control of the game, showed patience and belief – and we left Ayrshire with a 3-3 draw, after Anthony got a double and Charlie scored the equaliser

“We never looked back after that. There was a clear togetherness, and it showed. We knew we could go on and win the title.

“And we did, ironically in our second visit to Rugby Park that season, and we ended the season 20 points ahead of Rangers.

“Sometimes that’s just what’s needed – a wee spark from somewhere. Something positive to come from a period of adversity.

“A win against St Johnstone today might signal a winning run for the rest of the month, and then it’s into the game against Rangers at Ibrox on January 2.”

But, like that game in Ayrshire in October, 2011, the Swede knows that it all rests with the players. It’s down to captain Scott Brown and the others to go out and make it happen.

Mjallby continued: “I know Neil well, and I feel for him. He is going through a really tough period.

“He will be trying to work things out. No doubt, he won’t be getting much sleep, trying to come up with fresh ideas and solutions.

“That’s the life of a manager.

“Neil knows the game, and will believe he will get it going in the right direction.

“Ultimately, though, it comes down to what the players want.

“The players know they are capable of much, much better. Just two wins from 11 games is not good enough.

“I’ve read a few players saying how much they are behind Neil, and that they are the ones letting him down.

“Well, it’s time to do the talking on the park. If you really mean it, go out and show it.

“It must start today against St Johnstone. It needs to be a victory. Any dropped points would be a hammer blow.

“Scott Brown is a player I know well. I respect him and rate him. He is the captain and the leader.

“He has taken on plenty in his time at the club, and has been successful 99% of the time.

“He is also facing a tough challenge, as this is the first time their backs have been to the wall as much as this.

“Scott has it in his locker to get it going and get the players going.

“His talks in the pre-match huddle are always spot-on, and he can do his bit. I know he will be ready for the challenge.”

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With the calibre of player in the squad, there is no doubt Celtic can go on a domestic run that would see them put pressure on Rangers.

But such is the fragility around Parkhead just now, it clearly has to be a case of one game at a time for them.

They can’t look too far ahead, or take anything for granted.

That is most certainly the case this afternoon against Callum Davidson’s team, who are playing some attractive football, with energy and belief, and are unbeaten in their last 10 games.

Mjallby said: “Yes, for Celtic it was another defeat on Thursday night, away to AC Milan.

“But to have gone two goals up would have been a boost, and if they can take positives from that into today, then that will be good.

“For example, can Odsonne Edouard score regularly again and put the fear into SPFL defences?

“He is an outstanding striker but he has lacked consistency in this campaign.

“Of course, the downside from midweek is that they couldn’t defend their lead and they conceded four goals.

“Even to have left Milan with a 2-2 would have been a brilliant result.

“So not being able to keep a clean sheet is something that opposition teams know about.

“I’m sure St Johnstone will go into the game believing they can score – and win. Rightly so.

“They are playing well and, at the moment, it looks as though they have nothing to fear.

“It’s up to the Celtic players to prove differently when the whistle blows.

“They have quality in their ranks, the Celtic team. But it’s all about winning games.”

From his home in Stockholm, Mjallby will keep a close eye on how it all unfolds this afternoon.

There is also the matter of Rangers kicking off at lunchtime at Ross County, and a win there will put Steven Gerrard’s men 14 points ahead.

Mjallby said: “The points difference looks good for Rangers, and they are clearly in the driving seat.

“However, we are not talking about a lost cause here. Remember the games in hand Celtic have.

“If the gap was nine or 10 points – and they had played the same number of games – then it would be really, really worrying.

“But it is still very much in Celtic’s hands. They don’t really need any favours from elsewhere.

“It’s about doing their own jobs properly and effectively, and it has to start against St Johnstone.

“Everyone at Celtic doesn’t need to be reminded exactly what is at stake.”