REVENGE IS SWEET
Lennon hails ‘outstanding’ performance by his Bhoys
CELTIC ............... 2 CFR CLUJ ........... 0
NEIL LENNON last night hailed an act of Europa League vengeance over Cluj as the start of something big for Celtic.
Goals in each half from Odsonne Edouard and on-loan winger Mohamed Elyounoussi secured revenge over the champions of Romania after Dan Petrescu’s side had eliminated the Parkhead side from the Champions League in August.
‘It was very exciting,’
said the Celtic boss. ‘We wanted a strong display from the team tonight and I got more than that. I thought we were outstanding.’ The win propelled his side to the top of Group E coming on the back an opening-night draw in Rennes and Lennon insists his men now have nothing to fear in back-toback games with Serie A cracks Lazio. ‘My only disappointment is that we didn’t win the game by more,’ he added. ‘They are functioning as a team, there is a real solidity about us and fluidity going forward. ‘We looked really strong and thoroughly deserved the victory. There were some outstanding individual performances and from one to 11. I thought we were absolutely excellent against a very good side. ‘I thought we were very good in Rennes and Rangers away was a great performance as well. So I’m getting great performances from the team. I think there is more to come. ‘I said to the players tonight that I think we have the makings of a good side. ‘It’s embryonic in the season and I’m not getting carried away. But I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted for the supporters as well to have European football back here and a good performance from the team. ‘It was exciting and we created a lot of chances.’ Cluj boss Petrescu said: ‘For me, Celtic and Lazio are the big favourites in this group. Normally they should go through but in football there are some surprises. ‘We know Celtic are a very good team as we played here before. We know it’s very difficult to win here as they’ve only lost here one time all season and that was against us. ‘But I am happy with my team because they gave everything. Celtic have better players all over the pitch but we cannot win two times at Celtic.’