NEIL Lennon admits he got a “late Christmas present” as luck was on his side in Wanderers’ derby victory over Blackburn Rovers.

The Whites boss could not have complained if his side were three down at half time, as Jordan Rhodes hit the post and Andy Lonergan pulled off two world class saves.

But the introduction of Emile Heskey at half time to partner Eidur Gudjohnsen in attack was the turning point and Lennon was quick to give praise to his veteran strike force.

“It was a classic – it could have been 10-7 the amount of chances that were made by both sides,” he said.

“I’m sure Gary will be aggrieved they haven’t come away with something.

“I was obviously unhappy with our first half performance but Heskey came on and made a huge difference. He was outstanding.

“A lot of eyebrows were raised when we brought him and Eidur Gudjohnsen in but they’ve lifted the game and the stadium.

“We are really down to the bare bones at the moment but I can’t speak highly enough of the effort these players are putting in right now.

“I’d like us to play better than we did first half. We’re okay going forward but defensively it was Keystone Cops at times. I think we turned it into a classic.

“Blackburn may feel they should have been two or three up.

“You can’t get angry you have to stay focussed and get your players in at half time and say what you need to say.

“Blackburn are a big, strong, physical team considering how young they are and maybe on the balance of play we didn’t deserve three points but there have been other games where we’ve had nothing.

“Maybe Santa Claus came a bit late for me.”

Though Lennon has concerns over what physical toll a frenetic 90 minutes took on his squad, he did reveal one boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to Huddersfield.

“We tired towards the end, which is understandable when you have a 36 year old and a 37 year old playing – and recovery will be important,” he said.

“The good news is that Craig Davies will come into contention; he’ll definitely be a part of the squad for Huddersfield.

“We need all the bodies we can get at the moment.”