Mjallby key to plotting Helsingborgs’ downfall
NEIL LENNON will turn to right-hand man Johan Mjallby’s local knowledge and a recent scouting report from Martin O’Neill after Henrik Larsson ruled himself out of the running to help Celtic reach the Champions League.
The Parkhead scoring legend has declared himself entirely neutral in advance of the play-off clash between the two clubs closest to his heart.
Lennon respects his former team-mate’s stance and, after taking in reports from Helsingborgs’ 7-2 league win over Kalmar, now hopes that O’Neill can be recruited to his old Bhoys network.
Sunderland lost 2-0 there in a pre-season outing earlier in the month and Lennon is keen to learn of his mentor’s views on the opposition.
Lennon explained: ‘Henrik has already come out and said he’s got a foot in both camps and is staying out of this one. I wouldn’t phone him to put him in that position, I couldn’t do that.
‘Johan knows the Swedish game better than anyone and will have people in Sweden to turn to for firsthand knowledge.
‘They beat Sunderland in pre-season. We’ve tried to get in touch with Steve (Walford) and Martin and we hope to catch up with them before we leave on Monday.
‘What we always know, though, is that Swedish teams are mentally strong. Look at the national side that has made a habit of qualifying for tournaments on a regular basis.
‘I reckon if we can take any sort of result back to Celtic Park, then I will be delighted.’
The Swedish side will be without on-loan top striker Alfred Finnbogason after he agreed to leave Lokeren for Heerenveen.
Finnbogason struck twice when Helsingborgs hit seven last weekend and Lennon noted: ‘They lost their leading scorer, which is a huge bonus for us.
‘We watched them last week and they scored seven, which is impressive at any level, and they are strong defensively.’
Helsingborgs have until 11pm tomorrow to register a replacement and that could present Lennon with a problem of drilling his defence to tackle a relatively unknown quantity.
That was not the only note of warning the Celtic boss issued as he accepted that his players would need to rise to meet the challenge of a support now anticipating a Champions League campaign after beating HJK Helsinki home and away.
‘Expectation levels have gone through the roof since we beat Helsinki,’ said Lennon. ‘But, as far as I am concerned, we are playing it right down.
‘Of course, it’s a great opportunity for us. It’s winnable. But it’s a great opportunity for Helsingborgs as well. Swedish teams, as you know already, are very difficult opposition and we’re not taking this tie lightly at all.’