Neil Lennon last night tipped Celtic to light up this season’s Europa League after watching them storm to the top of Group E with a revenge mission win over Cluj.
Lennon was left purring after goals from Odsonne Edouard and Mohammed Elyounoussi sealed a 2-0 win over the side which had sent Scotland’s flag bearers crashing out of the Champions League qualifiers in August.
The victory leaves his side in pole position as they head into a double header with Italian big guns Lazio which could make or break their hopes of securing a place in the knock-out stages.
And, after watching the composed manner in which his players coped with Cluj, Lennon was struggling to contain his excitement about what lies ahead.
He said: “It was very exciting tonight. It’s great to be back as a manager on that stage at Celtic Park. We wanted a strong performance from the team tonight and I got more than that. I thought we were outstanding.
“My only disappointment is that we didn’t win the game by more. They are functioning as a team, there is a real solidity about us and fluidity going forward.
“We looked really strong and thoroughly deserved the win. There was some outstanding individual performances and from one to 11 I thought we were absolutely excellent against a very good side.
“So I’m getting great performances from the team. I think there is more to come. I said to the players tonight that I think we have the makings of a good side.
“It’s embryonic in the season and I’m not getting carried away. But I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted for the supporters as well to have European football back here and a good performance from the team. It was exciting and we created a lot of chances.
“We are top of the group and it’s a great start. It’s early, the group is still open, it’s tight. Cluj and Lazio both have three points and you can’t write Rennes off. But the performances I’ve had in the first two games have given us a lot of food for thought in a positive way.
“I am enjoying working with the team. There are going to be dips here and there but the start they’ve made and the way they’ve kicked on from the first Cluj game has given me a lot of things to think about in positive way.”
Cluj boss Dan Petrescu immediately tipped Celtic and Lazio to qualify for the last 32 following last night’s results, which also saw the Serie A side take three points from Rennes.
But Lennon smiled: “Well he would say that wouldn’t he? I’ve learned to take what Dan says with a pinch of salt.
“I think anyone could win it, we’re only two games in. It’s still wide open. We’ve got to go to Lazio and that’s going to be very difficult but we’ve given ourselves a foothold in the group.”
Lennon’s side stormed into an early lead when Edouard headed the opener just 20 minutes into the first half.
And although it became a little nervous until Elyounoussi doubled the lead on the stroke of the hour Scotland’s champions ran out comfortable winners in the end as they climbed to the top of Group E with four points from two games.
Asked if he is already anticipating back-to-back showdowns with Lazio, Lennon nodded: “Very much so. It’s great. I think we will all look forward to it. We have a big game on Sunday and then the international break but I think our form has been absolutely excellent so far, without getting carried away.”
Petrescu said: “We know Celtic is a very good team as we played here before. We know it’s very difficult to win here as they’ve only lost here one time all season and that was against us.
“But I am happy with my team because they gave everything. Celtic have better players all over the pitch but we cannot win two times at Celtic.
“For me Celtic and Lazio are the big favourites in this group. Normally they should go through but in football there are some surprises.”
