The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hoops stars can’t wait for Lazio after thrashing Hibs
HIBS 2 CELTIC 5
Neil Lennon believes Saturday’s comprehensive 5-2 Betfred Cup semifinal win over Hibernian has left Celtic in good shape for facing Lazio on Thursday.
Attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi and skipper Scott Brown, who passed a late fitness test, both bagged a brace at Hampden Park with midfielder Callum McGregor also on the scoresheet.
Midfielder Melker Hallberg and halftime substitute Florian Kamberi netted for the Easter Road side but to no avail as the treble treble champions clinched their 30th successive domestic cup tie win.
The Scottish champions now turn their attention to the Europa League and the return game against Lazio on Thursday night, after beating the Italian giants 2-1 at Celtic Park last month.
The Hoops are top of Group E with seven points from three fixtures and the Hoops boss believes they could earn more in Italy.
“It is fantastic,” said Lennon, who revealed left-back Boli Bolingoli came off at half-time with a hamstring problem which could leave him a doubt for Thursday.
“What a game to look forward to. We know what a huge incentive there is to go there and get a result.
“Off the back of Saturday, psychologically, the feelgood factor, the players will be in a good place.
“They will all be wanting to play because when you are playing well and scoring goals and playing the kind of football they are producing you just want to keep going.
“It is a titanic game in front of us, we know the calibre of opposition we have got on Thursday night but it is not beyond them.”
Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom, under fire for one win in 11 Ladbrokes Premiership games this season, claimed his side were architects of their own downfall, especially in the first half.
He said: “When you go 2-0 down to Celtic in that sort of form, it is a real uphill battle.”
“We know what a huge incentive there is to go there and get a result. NEIL LENNON