James Forrest relishing Lazio task at full Celtic Park

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James Forrest reckons that Celtic’s recent display against Cluj was their best all season – and it sets them up well for the visit of Lazio.

Neil Lennon’s men aim to take a big step towards the last 32 of the Europa League when Simone Inzaghi’s side arrive in the East End of Glasgow next Thursday. The Hoops are already a point ahead of the Italian outfit in Group E and a victory at Parkhead would assure them a top two spot going into the final two games of the campaign.

And wing wizard Forrest thinks a similar display to the Cluj match should see them allright.

Forrest told the Scotsman: “Lazio are the favourites to win the group but we’re aiming to get a positive result against them at Parkhead and then take something from the away game as well.

“Cluj have already beaten them but I believe the four clubs are all of a similar standard. Everyone can beat everyone else so we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. Our fans were with us right from the start when we beat Cluj the other week.

“We started well and gave the crowd something to cheer about; it’s probably the best we’ve played all season and another display like that would do next time out. It’s really good that the match against Lazio is already sold out.

“The atmosphere is going to be electric when we kick off and then it’s up to us to ensure that we keep everyone roaring us on after that.”

Forrest and co won’t know what to expect from Lazio

It’s hard to judge what Celtic will face when they take to the field against the Serie A giants next Thursday. Inzaghi’s side were in a bit of crisis not so long ago but seem to have steadied the ship with three wins and a draw from their last five matches.

The Rome side’s away form is still a cause for concern though, and something that should give the Celtic players a boost. Lazio have lost three of their last four away matches – to Spal, Inter Milan and Cluj – while they also dropped points against mid-table Bologna last time out.

There’s clearly an uncertainty about their displays on the road and Neil Lennon will just hope that that’s something his side can tap in to. When Celtic Park is rocking there are few tougher venues to visit in Europe. Add that to a team that are already struggling away from home and we could have the perfect recipe for a big Celtic victory.