Boss Lennon so proud as Bhoys refuse to yield

Celtic 0 Benefica 0

Only skipper Scott Brown had Champions League experience with the home side but it was a spirited and determined performance from the Scottish champions, although over the course of 90 hard-fought minutes they failed to really trouble the visitors’ goal.

The Celtic boss though, noted that key players such as Georgios Samaras, Joe Ledley, Beram Kayal and Anthony Stokes were all still making their way back from injury and Gary Hooper was unable to start the match.

“I hope that we gained a little bit more respect tonight from the footballing world,” said Lennon.

“I think Benfica went into the game heavy favourites but I don’t think you could call the game tonight.

“I think a draw was probably a fair result.

“It shows that we have a bit of depth to the squad and can compete at this level.

“We didn’t work their keeper as much as we would have liked but saying that I was very pleased with the team performance tonight.

“It was a very good tempo, a good shape to us, we were committed and played with real zest and no fear against a class side.

“It was a decent start for us, it could have been better it could have been worse.

“I think they will probably be the happier going away, I don’t think there was anything really between the teams.

“There were 10 guys out there making their Champions League debut against a very experienced Champions League side so I am very proud of them.”

Celtic play Spartak Moscow away from home in their next fixture and Lennon said: “You would like to win your home games, it makes things a little difficult for us but it is not insurmountable.”

Lennon praised Brown, who continues to play with an on-going hip problem.

He said: “There were moments in the second half when he saw the danger and covered the ground and made tremendous tackles. He has matured a lot and has blossomed into the captain that he is.

“He has played at this level before, there were 10 who haven’t, and he sets an example.

“He recovered very well from the game at the weekend and finished the game tremendously strong, which was surprising and we will see how he is over the next couple of days.”

Lennon did not tell his uncapped keeper Fraser Forster that England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence was in the stand.

He said: “I knew Ray was coming but I didn’t want to relay it to Fraser.

“I wanted him to concentrate on his game and whatever he did, he did very well.

“He was composed assured and made a decent save in the second half, he should be every pleased with that.”

CELTIC: Forster, Matthews, Lustig (Rogne 63), Wilson, Izaguirre (Hooper 66), Forrest, Brown, Wanyama, Mulgrew, Commons, Miku.

BENFICA: Artur Moraes, Almeida, Garay, Jardel, Melgarejo, Matic, Salvio, Perez, Gaitan (Nolito 82), Aimar (Cardozo 63), Rodrigo (Bruno Cesar 70).

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy).