CELTS COULD WIN EUROPA

From Back Page 1-0 first leg win against the Russians in their follow up fixture in the Premiership, with a 0-0 draw against St Johnstone on Sunday.

Meanwhile, a victory for in-form Rangers at Hamilton sparked talk of a title chase also involving Aberdeen and even Lennon’s Hibs, who saw off the Dons at Easter Road.

Asked if Celtic can go all the way in Europe, Lennon said: “Why not? There are still some very good teams in there such as Napoli, Atletico Madrid, Leipzig and Villarreal.

“The more you progress, you get a sniff of it, the juices and instinct kick in – but get past Zenit first, that’s a big ask. Celtic have given themselves an opportunity.

“Russian teams can be a bit soulless. I didn’t expect Zenit to travel well and at home they will be a different proposition but there’s no reason Celtic can’t go over there and score.

“I wouldn’t say Celtic were favourites but they have an advantage.

“In the league, you could also say there is a title race on.

“However, Rangers, Aberdeen, ourselves, the teams behind, we need to find consistency if there is going to be any sort of title challenge and I’m not too sure the clubs have enough.”

Celtic went all the way to Seville 15 years ago and were pipped at the post for the league by Rangers.

Five years later, when Rangers made the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester, Celtic endured in the SPL.

Even if the Hoops go deeper in the Europa League this season, Lennon doesn’t believe fixture congestion will prove a downfall this time.

He said: “The teams were a lot closer in the past but there’s still a gap between Celtic and the rest today.

“If you look at 2003 there was an abundance of quality in Celtic and Rangers.

“However, the league is a lot more competitive this season. I still expect Celtic to go on and win it comfortably but if they’ve got one eye on Europe there may be an opportunity to make inroads.

“However, it’s going to take a hell of a run for somebody to put a shoulder on Celtic.”