Neil Lennon reckons his players must turn Celtic Park back into a European fortress as they bid to make the latter stages of the Europa League .
The Hoops were a huge force at home during Lennon's playing career with Martin O'Neill and Gordon Strachan enjoying long runs in both UEFA competitions.
But Celtic 's Parkhead prowess has weakened in recent seasons with the Champions League qualifying capitulation to Cluj last month the latest home humbling.
Conversely Lennon has overseen a good run away from home on the Continent, culminating in the 1-1 draw with Rennes this week which got their Europa league Group E campaign off to a solid start.
With Cluj beating top seeds Lazio the group has opened right up. And Lennon insists strong results in Glasgow will be key to securing a place in the knockout stages.
He told the club's website: “The four teams are capable of getting out the group. The fact that Cluj beat Lazio didn’t surprise me, all the teams will take points off each other.
“Our home form is going to be important and we do want to turn this place again into an intimidating place and obviously the fans can play their part in that.
“Hopefully the players will feed off of that.”
Lennon, meanwhile, lavished praise on goalscorer Ryan Christie and said the playmaker has become a key member of his squad this season.
He said: “He’s been fantastic this season. He showed great fortitude to go up and take the penalty, he took it brilliantly and as the game went on he got better and better.
“He’s been superb for me in all the games so far and he’s become a vital player for us. His style and creativity, his energy and fitness levels are fantastic and it’s infectious for the rest of the players. He’s turning into a very important player.”
