INVERNESS: Celtic manager Neil Lennon heaped praise on his fringe players after they helped fire the Glasgow club to a 3-1 win at Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday.

With one eye on their Champions League last-16 first-leg clash with Juventus on Tuesday, Lennon made nine changes to his line-up.

But the selection gamble paid off as goals from Kris Commons, Israeli defender Rami Gershon and Miku sealed a 3-1 win after Nick Ross had given Inverness an early lead.

The win allows Celtic to move 18 points clear at the top of the SPL, and Lennon singled out debutants Gershon and Australian Tom Rogic as well as youngster Dylan McGeouch for praise as they played pivotal roles in the Hoops’ fifth straight league win.

“The young lads were exceptional. They have certainly earned my trust with that performance,” Lennon said.

“I’m delighted and I think you saw a wee glimpse of what’s coming through. Marcus Fraser, McGeouch and Rogic are all young players and I thought they were fantastic.”