John Hartson has revealed that he was left "hurt and disappointed" by Neil Lennon's comments during Monday's irate press conference.

The Hoops gaffer hit out at Hartson after the former Parkhead striker claimed it was time for Lennon to leave his managerial position.

Lennon said Hartson's opinion meant nothing to him and that has left the Welshman downhearted.

He told The Scottish Sun: “Neil said my opinion doesn’t matter to him and that’s up to him.

“But I was only giving my honest opinion on how things are at Celtic.

“To be honest, I’m hurt and disappointed that he’s chosen to come out and have a go at me. Listen, he’s clearly a man under severe pressure so it’s maybe understandable.

“He’s only human and it must be difficult to handle everything that’s going on right now. But he’s got to know that I wasn’t having any personal dig at him. Far from it, because I’ve been arguably his biggest supporter down the years.

“The truth is, I’ve given him huge support throughout his two spells as manager.

“In the media, I’ve written countless columns backing him and it’s been the same when I’ve gone on the radio or TV.

“When I speak to fans I’ve always said he’s the right man for the job.

“That’s actually been to my own detriment at times as I’ve come in for some real criticism from Celtic supporters who have often accused me of sticking up for him just because he’s a pal.

“People reckon it’s been an old pals’ act from me. If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard that a thousand times.”