Euro display gives Celts boss a boost

Neil Lennon claims Celtic will come back “stronger than ever” following rare back-to-back defeats at home.

The Scottish champions came under scrutiny when they lost 2-0 to Old Firm rivals Rangers at Parkhead last Saturday.

Lennon was more pleased with his side’s display against AC Milan in their Europa League Group H opener on Thursday night, especially after the break, although they ultimately lost 3-1 to the Italian giants.

It was the first time Celtic had lost consecutive games since December 2018, when they went down to RB Salzburg and then Hibernian.

However, turning his attention to Aberdeen tomorrow, where Celtic go into the game trailing leaders Rangers by four points albeit with a game in hand, the Parkhead boss is confident his side will get back on track.

Lennon said :“We’ re making too much of one result and one performance.

“We will come back stronger than ever and we’re looking forward to the challenge and the challenges that lie ahead.

“We’re not panicking, we’re staying calm. We’ve a great belief in the players and I have every right to believe in them because of what they have done and what they can do.”

The former Celtic captain said: “If I don’t who will?

“It’s my job. It’s my job to protect the players. What have they won, 11 trophies in a row? It’s not bad.

“I think the criticism against them at times is over-balanced and people take them for granted.”

● Steven Gerrard has warned the Rangers faithful that Kemar Roofe’s wonder goal in Belgium does not mean he will definitely be rushed back into action against Livingston.

The former Anderlecht ace has made himself an internet sensation and an instant hero with the Light Blues legions after sealing Gers’ 2-0 Europa League win over Standard Liege with his audacious strike from the half-way line.

With Alfredo Morelos continuing to look short on form, excited supporters have been hoping they will get a chance to see more of the 27-year-old ex-Leeds frontman when Livi visit Ibrox tomorrow.

But Gerrard has left them disappointed after declaring he will be taking no risks with the striker.

The Ibrox boss, who revealed Borna Barisic is ge tting a thigh strain scanned after limping off against Standard, said: “We need to get Kemar up to speed. I don’t think we’ve yet had him at 100%.

“He got really close before his latest injury – but then he missed a month, which was frustrating for everyone.

“I think everyone is just expecting me to plunge him into every game because of the goal last night. That won’t be the case.

“We’ ll treat him with care and get him up to speed at the right time.

“But, as the manager, I need Kemar Roofe 100% fit and robust and ready to churn games out.”