Celtic boss Lennon expects lively Utrecht

26 August 2010 10:00

Celtic manager Neil Lennon fully expects Utrecht to go for the jugular in Thursday night's Europa League clash but insists his side will be ready for the challenge.

The Hoops boast a 2-0 lead from the first leg of the play-offs at Parkhead last week and are determined to finish the job in Holland.

"I think the onus is on them," said the Hoops boss. "With them being the home team and being 2-0 down, I think they will come out and attack but we will be ready for that. We've got plenty of pace in the team, not just for Utrecht but to handle other teams as well."

The gulf in revenue between the Champions League and the Europa League has been well documented over the last couple of days.

But, despite missing out on the opportunity to join Old Firm rivals Rangers in the money-spinning group stages of Europe's top club competition, Lennon insists continental outings are still crucial for the Parkhead side this term.

"It's very important," he said.

"A lot of players come to Celtic to play European football so you don't want that to be finished by August.

"You want to try to put a concerted run together in Europe so to get through this round is very important."

Source: PA