The Irishman, signed in December 2000, will leave Celtic after the Tennent's Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline on May 26.

Speculation abounded that Lennon would miss the match but he led the teams out as usual before a 2-1 win which means the Dons could still miss out on third place.

Lennon was pleased to be involved but said: "I was thinking about it (missing the game).

"I don't like all the fanfare and there has been talk about me leaving for weeks, I never seemed to be out of the papers.

"The manager was thinking about resting me for one of the games before the cup final.

"The plan was maybe to rest me today and play against Hibs next week because I had said all my goodbyes after lifting the trophy (after the Hearts game two weeks ago).

"But I chewed over the fat last night and decided that there might be people at the game that may not be at Hampden so it was nice to say goodbye to them.

"I didn't want to get in the way of the manager's plans, that was important but it worked out well."

Lennon was replaced by Gary Caldwell with three minutes to go and received a standing ovation from the home support.

After he came back on the pitch after the game to address the Celtic fans, the small band of Aberdeen supporters tried to drown out his speech.

Lennon, who retorted with a well-known phrase for people from the north of Scotland, to the cheers of the Hoops' faithful, said: "It was nice to see 40,000 people get a laugh out of them (Aberdeen fans).

"They tried to rain on my party and they were not invited.

"I'm sure I will get hammered for it. Somebody will say something since it's me."

It was a game that Aberdeen could easily have won.

Only a fine display by Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc, as well as some sloppy finishing from Dons striker Stevie Lovell, prevented the visitors returning to Pittodrie with three points.

Darren Mackie cancelled out Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's 32nd-minute opener for the Hoops, moments after Artur Boruc had saved a Jamie Smith penalty.

But former PSV Eindhoven player Vennegoor of Hesselink struck again after the break to give the home side a victory which leaves the Pittodrie side just one point ahead of fourth-placed Hearts.

Celtic coach Tommy Burns, who was in charge of the side as manager Gordon Strachan recovers from a hip operation, praised Poland international Boruc.

Burns said: "He's a big character and a big personality and he proved that yet again.

"He has had some almighty performances in some big games for us.

"He made two or three excellent saves after one great save in the first half and so that was pleasing."

Aberdeen face Rangers next week, still looking to clinch the SPL's UEFA Cup spot.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood backed Burns' appraisal of Boruc but believes his side still have the whip hand over Hearts - who must travel to Kilmarnock - as they head for a last-day showdown.

Calderwood said: "I don't know who got man of the match but I would imagine that their 'keeper wasn't far away.

"It was a great penalty save from Boruc. Jamie didn't mis-hit it, he hit it right in the corner with power but he is a big lad.

"I don't think I have come to Parkhead and created so many chances and not won the game.

"We had the best chances and on another day Stevie Lovell could have had at least two.

"All credit to Hearts, they have pushed us all the way but I'm sure (Hearts assistant coach) Stevie Frail would rather be in our shoes.

"We know what we have to do.

"They might think going to Kilmarnock is the easier game but Rugby Park is a very difficult place to go to.

"It might end up that both us will lose but we are not bothered how we get third place."