Lennon hits out at boo boys

The former Hearts midfielder's call-up was controversial given that national team manager Craig Levein omitted Ibrox team-mate Lee Wallace due to him playing his football in the Irn-Bru Third Division this season.

However, the abuse received by Black on making his debut as a late substitute made the headlines and was condemned by, among others, the Association of Tartan Army Clubs.

Parkhead boss Lennon, a Roman Catholic, was booed while playing for Northern Ireland at Windsor Park by some of the predominantly Protestant home support, and he also received death threats which led to him calling time on his international career.

Ahead of Sunday's (AEST) Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Ross County at Dingwall, the former Celtic skipper was asked about the treatment of Black.

He said: "It was uncalled for. The kid was making his debut.

"Part of it is probably banter with the Hibs fans but still, it was a very big day for him and a special moment for him.

"I don't want to make too much of it, I was booed myself but for different reasons obviously, but it is not nice and hopefully that will be the first and last of it.

"I think he is a strong character and listening to his comments after the game he was still very positive.

"With the venue being where it was, there was maybe always a chance that he might take a bit of stick anyway.

"I think if the venue was either Hampden or (elsewhere in) Glasgow, I don't think that scenario would have popped up."

Lennon joked in self-deprecating style about the treatment he received as he continued to rationalise the abuse of Black.

He said: "I got booed everywhere - I got booed in the house.

"We all know the reasons behind that, because he (Black) was a Hearts player for so long and he was a bit of a rascal as it were - and there is nothing wrong with that - and he rubbed people up the wrong way.

"The majority of those fans at the game wouldn't have been Glasgow Rangers fans, Celtic fans or Inverness fans, the majority of them were probably at Easter Road to give him a bit of stick."

Asked if it was anything to do with Black's Rangers connection, he replied: "No. Why would it be? I wouldn't have thought so."