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.”