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Kayal: I'll take the plaudits but I'm no Neil Lennon yet

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Anyone who saw Sunday's Old Firm derby would've been impressed by the performance of Biram Kayal. The Israeli would be the first to admit that one swallow does not make a summer but it was a hugely encouraging display from one so young.

He did everything it said on the packet, according to manager Neil Lennon, and already the comparisons between the player and manager have started.

Martin O'Neill played a huge part in Lennon's career and Kayal could not have a better mentor .

Kayal was keen to play down any resemblance and is clearly keen to be his own man. Speaking about Lennon the player, he said: "He brought a lot of passion and power to the side. It's not fair to compare me because he was a great personality and great player.

"He has proved himself already and I have proved nothing yet to the fans."

Kayal's heroics are also good news for the Israeli national team and I expect him to cement his place in the heart of midfield for years to come. Israeli football is in need of a lift and it's clear that Kayal is a player who can lead them to bigger and better things.

● I'm looking forward to Meir Panim's Football Frenzy event at White Hart Lane at the end of the month. Activities include stadium tours and a Match Attax football cards swapathon for families in the day, followed by an evening debate entitled 'Football - Just The Job For a Nice Jewish Boy?'. The panel includes Oldham chairman Simon Corney, football agent Barry Silkman and Ivor Baddiel as well as other key figures from the football world.

● A group of Wingate & Finchley FC supporters will brave the winter conditions and walk 13 miles from the Abrahams Stadium in Finchley to Waltham Abbey's ground in Essex on February 12. The walk is part of Wingate's fund-raising work for Jewish Blind and Disabled (JBD). A spokesman for the club said: "The charity is particularly important to the club who are proud of their Jewish heritage, and wider links with the Jewish community in north London."

● Stuart Lustigman missed out on a medal at the Maccabi Australian Maccabi Games in Sydney. Representing the international team, Lustigman finished joint third in lawn bowls but lost out on bronze on shots scored. Overall, he claimed four wins from six matches. Lustigman said: "It was way above what I could have expected.

● Listen out for me on JNET Radio on Monday night.

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