Lennon is refusing to let up in Europe

NEIL LENNON is giving no consideration to resting any of his busy stars and all attention to booking a seeded berth in the Europa League’s Round of 32 when Rennes visit Celtic Park.

The French drew with Celtic on the opening night of Group E, but the Scottish champions have since scored three stunning victories to secure qualification.

A fourth on Thursday could potentially clinch top spot with one game, at CFR Cluj, remaining.

That trip to Romania is one of nine fixtures confronting Celtic, who beat Livingston 4-0 to stay on top of the Premier League table, in the month of December.

With that schedule in mind and a knockout place assured, Lennon was asked if resting a few of his international players had crossed his mind for the tie against the bottom club in the section.

The answer was an emphatic ‘no’ as Lennon reeled off a list of reasons why he is intent on maximising the chances of victory.

Lennon asserted: ‘I think it’s important we don’t take our foot off the gas. We want to finish top because, in theory, that might help you get a more favourable draw.

‘Hopefully Lazio take points off Cluj, meaning a win on Thursday guarantees us top spot with a game to spare. That would then give me the luxury of maybe using the squad in Romania.

‘But we can’t look too far ahead. We want to win on Thursday so we’re going to go strong. We want to finish our home games with maximum points.’

Celtic have never topped a qualifying group in either Champions or Europa League competitions and Lennon (below) added: ‘Well, if there’s an extra incentive then you would look for that as motivation.

‘I can’t think about giving anyone a rest. It’s a European night at home and there’s still work to do in the group. I want to get it done.’