Celtic manager Neil Lennon is relying on his experienced players to thrive on the atmosphere of a Champions League night at Parkhead as they look to overturn a three-goal deficit against Sporting Braga.
Efrain Juarez, Cha Du-ri, Gary Hooper, Daryl Murphy and Joe Ledley could all make their Celtic Park debuts in the second leg of the third qualifying round. Lennon was part of a Celtic team that enjoyed one of the most impressive home records in European football for most of the last decade and he believes the energy created by the crowd can inspire his successors in the green and white hoops.
"We have plenty of experienced Champions League campaigners, internationals, players who played in the World Cup. So they know what the big arena is like. Once they get a taste of what the atmosphere will be like before the game, they will hopefully thrive on that," said Lennon.
"Celtic Park, under the floodlights on a European night, will give the players a real taste of why they're here and what they can expect.
"I just want them to feed off the energy and thrive on it, and bring the house down.
"The fans are huge on these Champions League nights, they are one of the main reasons why our form has been so good over the years at home.
"They bring an energy that gives you a lift as soon as you walk out on the pitch. That backing just elevates your performance."
Source: PA
