CHRIS SUTTON
NEIL LENNON has massive reasons to be positive going forward in the Europa League.
The evidence in Rennes on Thursday night suggests Celtic are equipped to do well on the continent in the weeks ahead.
Lennon’s players turned in an excellent performance of quality and maturity in Brittany.
In various departments of the team there was reason to be hugely satisfied and excited at the same time.
Lennon said after the 1-1 draw that the team he has now is better than the one he had in Rennes the last time Celtic were there in 2011.
Given the success those boys would have in the future, beating the likes of Barcelona in the Champions League, that’s a big statement.
Yet watching the game the other night, you can see they are heading in the right direction.
The Cluj defeat in the Champions League qualifiers is the one blip on the European CV this season and I said after that match that Lennon needed an upgrade in goalkeeper and the defending needed to be better.
Watching the contest in France, you could see the manager has made those improvements.
Fraser Forster might not have had a lot to do but he has that stature and presence. In front of him, Christopher Jullien looks like he’s going to a rock. It’s dangerous to go overboard on players early but my impression is that Jullien makes good decisions. He attacks the ball at the right times and drops off at the right times.
Beside him, Kristoffer Ajer has all he potential in the world. Granted, he made a big mistake against Rennes with the way he gave the penalty away but everyone is allowed a blunder.
This pair are strong and Hatem Abd Elhamed is another signing who looks dependable and safe.
There’s nothing flashy about the Israeli and, in many ways, that’s the best thing about him. There’s no drama there. He’s strong, diligent and does his job well for the side.
Boli Bolingoli might still have a rick in him now and again but he’s getting better and, although it was a shame he suffered the injury, Jonny Hayes’ positional sense was very good when he entered the fray. Greg Taylor has also been signed for that position.
In the middle of the park Ryan Christie was terrific. His composure to score the penalty was top class and, to be honest, how he didn’t get awarded a spot-kick of his own just beforehand I’ll never know. It was as clear as you can get.
The one department which didn’t sparkle as it can in France was the attacking unit.
But given what James Forrest and Odsonne Edouard have both produced at home and in Europe this season for the club and the manager, they get a pass.
Even then, it was Forrest who won the penalty and he had a terrific effort at 1-1 which almost put Celtic into the lead. So he’s always a threat and Mohamed Elyounoussi on the other side clearly needs games.
Given Lennon has the luxury of players such as Olivier Ntcham and Tom Rogic on the bench and others like Nir Bitton, Mikey Johnston and Jozo Simunovic to come back from injury, the resources are strong.
Remember Cluj, whom Celtic should have beaten in the qualifiers, defeated Lazio. That proves Lennon’s assertion that the group is wide open.
Clearly, my old team have nothing to fear in the next five games. And there are many reasons for fans to be excited and encouraged by what’s coming next on the continent.