Defeat is unthinkable, insists Lennon

Celtic manager Neil Lennon admits a home defeat to Ajax will end any hopes his side still harbour of progressing in the Champions League.

The Hoops head into tonight’s clash at Celtic Park bottom of Group H and having failed to take any points from their opening two games against AC Milan and Barcelona. Back-to-back games against the Dutch outfit — who sit on one point — will now be crucial to Celtic’s chances of repeating last year’s feat of reaching the knockout stages of the tournament.

Asked if this was a must-win game for his players, Lennon said: “No, it’s a must not get beat. I’m confident with this team that we can perform away from home as well, however winning this game would put us in a really good position in the group. Losing the game would probably end our aspirations for trying to qualify.”

With Adam Matthews out for the rest of the year after shoulder surgery and skipper Scott Brown suspended, Lennon was dealt a further selection blow with the news that Kris Commons is out of this match with a hamstring strain suffered in the 1-1 draw against Hibernian.

The Celtic boss said: “We are hoping it’s not as bad as a tear but he won’t make tomorrow.

“He might make the corresponding game in Amsterdam, though.

“He’s been for a scan and we are waiting on confirmation but he’s feeling a lot better today.”

Ajax will bring with them a young side to the east end of Glasgow and Lennon hopes Celtic’s fans will ensure they are confronted with an intimidating atmosphere at Parkhead.

He said: “It will be a different environment for them and a different atmosphere to what some of them are used to.

“Barcelona are far more experienced and knew what to expect, having been here last year.

“For some of the Ajax players, playing here for the first time, it might be something new.

“We know our fans will bring a huge amount of noise and passion to the stadium and I’m hoping that will fire our players up.

“Not that they need motivated for the game but it will just give them that extra spring in their step.”

For his part, Ajax coach Frank de Boer is aiming for third time lucky when his side takes on the Bhoys.

The Dutchman was twice on the losing team at Celtic Park in Old Firm derbies during his short spell as a player at Rangers in 2004.

He is now hoping he can come out on top at the venue, this time as a manager, as both clubs aim to kick-start their respective European campaigns.

De Boer said: “Things can change sometimes and hopefully now the luck is on my side tomorrow.

“I remember the great atmosphere and the rivalry between the two clubs.

“I played against Larsson and he was a real pain in the **** for Rangers at that time!

“The atmosphere is still in my mind. For me, it was a great adventure.”