NEIL LENNON says that goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas needs more time to adapt to the Scottish game as he declared Scott Bain would be his number one for the foreseeable future.

Barkas, who signed in a £5m deal from AEK Athens in the summer, was relegated to the bench as Celtic got their first win of 2021 with a 2-0 home triumph over Hamilton with former Dundee keeper Bain in goal.

And afterwards, Lennon explained that he wants and expects more from the 26-year-old Greek international before he will rely on him to take the gloves on a regular basis.

"I don't think Vasilis has settled,” Lennon said. "He's not the presence at the minute that he can be "I think he needs a bit of adaptation, more time. I don't think he is up to the speed and physicality of the game.

"I made the decision to bring Scott back in, he has been knocking at the door. I think he has done okay, he was comfortable tonight.

"You will probably see the best of Vasilis as we go along, not just at this moment.

"I have spoken to him a number of occasions over the course of the season. We’re hoping and expecting more from him as we go along.

"He understands, he is one of them who maybe suffered with the way life is at the minute.

"Sometimes you take it for granted that these guys are going to come in and adapt straight away, some take a bit longer and he is in that category.

"He has admitted on a few occasions that he probably hasn't been at his best "He can improve his physicality, shot stopping and general influence around the box.

"He has good ability, I don't think we have seen the best of him yet.

"Scott will continue in goal."