There was an anxiety over coming back but it’s Celtic and if you’re asked to take it, you take it

immaculate year back on the throne. And now this, the chance to do what no Celtic side has done in 16 years by taking a huge step deeper into the knock-out rounds of a European competition.

But this is a very different Lennon to the one who left the job first time around. And he knew it would have to be this way.

He goes on: “Don’t go in and knock the china over. That’s what I was thinking at the time.

“Don’t start thinking, ‘This isn’t working and that’s not working and I want it done this way or that.’ Just let it go and adapt to the way the club works and the players work. They were in a good position. They had already won the League Cup and were in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

“It could have led to confusion for the players if I’d gone in and tried to change the style of play. I didn’t have time to do that anyway.

“I don’t know if I’m a better manager second time around. But I’m far more experienced and more mellow.

“I know the Scottish game and I’ve known it for a long time. I know how difficult it can be – and the pressures that come with it.”

Asked if he’s proud of achieving so much in so little time, Lennon almost winces as he says “So far, yes, but we’ve got a bit of work to do yet.

“I’m delighted with the way the Europa League has gone and the league position we find ourselves in. We’ve won the League Cup. We brought in some good players and we are playing a good style of football as well.

“Pride? I’m just happy with the way things are going.”

Things might get significantly better tonight if he can guide Celtic into the last 16 after last week’s 1-1 draw in Denmark which planted one boot into UEFA’s big glass pots.

But Lennon bristles at any