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Lennon urges his Bhoys to carry their awesome domestic form into Europe
NEIL LENNON wants his Celtic players to build on their status as undisputed kings of Scottish football by using Europe as a platform to make even bigger names for themselves.
Two goals each from inspirational skipper Scott Brown and Mohamed Elyounoussi saw Hibs swept aside in a 5-2 victory at Hampden on Saturday as the Parkhead side secured a place in next month’s Betfred Cup final with Rangers.
Now the treble Treble winners go straight back into Europa League action against Lazio in Rome on Thursday night, with Lennon telling his troops he doesn’t want them to settle for domestic dominance.
Simone Inzaghi’s side will be buoyant after securing a dramatic 2-1 win over AC Milan at the San Siro in Serie A last night, with goals from Ciro Immobile and Joaquin Correa.
But fresh from a remarkable 30th consecutive victory in Scottish cup competitions, Celtic boss Lennon said: ‘We really want to make inroads into Europe as well, although we know how big a challenge that is. I do emphasise it
to the players a little bit more. Without taking our eye off the ball with what we want to do here in Scotland, which is pretty important. ‘But to keep enhancing the club’s — and their own — reputations, it’s vital we make a fist of it in Europe. They have done that — so far.’ Victory over Lazio at Celtic Park last time out left Lennon’s men top of Group E on seven points from three matches. Beating them in the Stadio Olimpico would not only guarantee the club a place in the knockout stages, but act as a statement of intent. ‘The players got a huge shot in the arm from beating Lazio,’ said Lennon (pictured). ‘We have seven points and that’s a terrific start for us. We know we may possibly not get another one, but the game on Thursday is a chance, it’s a challenge. ‘Do we feel we can win it? Yeah — but we know how difficult it will be. We also think we can lose. ‘Lazio are a great side, it was a great game (at home) to come out of the other side of. But we did have tough moments and that will be the case on Thursday. ‘They had a couple of great wins in Serie A recently against Torino and at Fiorentina so they’re a class side. ‘But we’re looking forward to it. The players have earned the right. If we win, or get a positive result, we will take another huge step towards qualification.’