Neil Lennon says he’s looking forward to the “glamorous” clash against Lazio, and the challenge against “good side” Rennes.
The Hoops were drawn against the Italian and French outfit, as well as recent foes CFR Cluj in Friday’s Europa League group stage draw.
Lennon’s men will open up away to the French cup winners before hosting Cluj. Back to back games against Lazio will then follow before a home clash against Rennes and a trip to Romania.
And Lennon knows it won’t be easy against the Ligue 1 side, who Celtic faced in the same competition back in 2011.
He told the official Celtic website: “They are a good side, they won the cup last year which is no mean feat in beating PSG in the final. They’ve got some very talented, quick players.
“We’ve met them before in the Europa League and have had a couple of positive results against them, so we’re looking for more of the same really.
“And, of course, Lazio is a great draw, it’s very glamorous and it’s a trip to Rome as well, I think that’s something everyone here will look forward to.”
Lennon has experience of Rennes
The Europa League was an extremely useful competition to Lennon in his first spell as Celtic boss. The Northern Irishman’s team came on leaps and bounds during their one and only campaign of Thursday night football. They may have come up short in a group containing Rennes, Udinese and Atletico Madrid, but they did learn an awful lot.
A year later his side reached the last 16 of the Champions League, beating Barcelona on route.
It will be interesting to see if this current new-look Celtic side can also benefit from a season in the Europa League. The competition is often criticised because it’s not the Champions League, but it’s still a terrific tournament.
Lennon and his players will back themselves to qualify from Group E. We’re up against three relatively tricky sides but we’re more than capable of giving them a run for their money.
Celtic fans just want to see progression. If they get that over the six group matches then they’ll be more than happy.
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