Martin O'Neill and Neil Lennon will go head-to-head as opposing managers for the first time in their careers at the Scottish Cup final on 23 May. The pair, whose relationship began when O'Neill signed Lennon for Leicester City in 1996, have shared trophy-laden success at both Leicester and Celtic. O'Neill's Celtic side are chasing a double while Lennon's Dunfermline attempt one final giant-killing act.

Their connection started in Lennon's flat when the midfielder was just 24, with O'Neill and assistant John Robertson reportedly staying overnight to secure his signature. O'Neill later brought Lennon to Celtic in December 2000 for nearly £6m, forming a partnership that delivered the treble in their first season. Under O'Neill, Lennon won three of his five titles as a player before adding five more as Celtic manager himself.

This final could be O'Neill's last game in management, adding extra weight to the occasion. Celtic are seeking their third consecutive Scottish Cup triumph. Dunfermline haven't won the trophy since 1968 - three years before Lennon was born. Their last final appearance came in 2007 against Celtic, a 1-0 defeat in Lennon's final game for the club as a player.