Neil Lennon reveals Celtic’s European ambitions this season

After failing to qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season, Celtic have made a great start to their Europa League campaign and currently sit at the top of their group. Neil Lennon has now revealed his ambitions for the club in Europe this season.

There was a lot of outrage from a large section of the Celtic fans earlier this season after they went out of the Champions League qualification stage in embarrassing fashion after losing 4-3 at home to CFR Cluj. This exit marked the second straight season that the Scottish club failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League after being knocked out by AEK Athens from the same stage last season.

But Neil Lennon’s men have managed to steady the ship since then and have made an impressive start to their Europa League campaign. After managing to grab a 1-1 draw away in Rennes, they completely dominated CFR Cluj at Celtic Park in what was fitting revenge for their earlier elimination from the Champions League qualifiers. With 4 points from their first two games, the Hoops now sit at the top of their Europa League group.

Celtic will have to do pretty well to end there at the end of the stage with tough sides like Lazio, Rennes and CFR Cluj in the same group. With Lazio visiting Glasgow following the international break, Neil Lennon took the opportunity to reveal his European ambitions while speaking with the Celtic View.

The Hoops manager said:

"“We’ll all look forward to it (Lazio). From a European point of view, our form has been absolutely excellent so far without getting carried away.“The Europa League, perhaps with the amount of money swirling about down south, maybe doesn’t hold that much prestige but for a lot of other countries, and big countries in Europe, it is still a prestigious competition.“For us, with the history that we’ve had in Europe since the Lisbon Lions, I think the fans crave it and it’s important when players come here, to not only do well domestically, but also enhance the club’s reputation in Europe. That’s what we’re trying to do.”"

Lennon’s words will be music to Celtic fans ears. It has been quite some time since the club have been a force to reckon with in Europe although they hold famous victories over Manchester United, AC Milan and Liverpool since the turn of this century.

The focus though should be solely on winning a record-equaling ninth straight Scottish Premiership title this season. A long run in Europe would be a welcome bonus but winning the league this season is an absolute must.