Neil Lennon: Defender Matt Mills praises 'inspirational' Bolton boss

Matt Mills (right) celebrates his winning goal at Birmingham with Bolton manager Neil Lennon

Bolton Wanderers defender Matt Mills has praised the influence of new manager Neil Lennon after winning in his first game in charge.

The Wanderers won 1-0 at Birmingham thanks to Mills' first-half header.

Lennon, 43, took charge at Bolton after Dougie Freedman was sacked, and the former Celtic manager has spoken about hoping to give the whole town a 'lift.'

"I don't think I've ever come across a more inspirational person in terms of being a winner," said Mills, 28.

"It's no surprised he's had such a fantastic career himself when he was playing because of his love and passion for the game."

Victory at Birmingham was only Bolton's second win in the Championship this season, with Lennon sent to the stands for leaving his technical area too often at St Andrew's.

Mills, who moved to the Trotters from Leicester, also revealed that he nearly worked under Lennon when he was at Celtic.

"I spoke to the manager and obviously didn't decide to go through with it for whatever reason," Mills told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I'm very, very happy to be working with him now.

"In training the lads are buzzing. The manager has put his point across and it's just a start really - we're all excited for what can be achieved this season."