Soccer: Lennon vows to silence Bhoys' doubters

Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon has shrugged off jibes that Rangers are still the biggest club in Scotland.

Both Claudio Caniggia and Russell Latapy made the claim as explanation for moving to Ibrox and not Parkhead this summer.

But Lennon is determined he and his team-mates will prove otherwise in the new season ahead.

Lennon retorted: "That's their prerogative to say that. I think there are a few people at this club who would disagree with that.

"It's up to us now to go out and disprove that."

Lennon is convinced that retaining the Scottish Premier League trophy is the number one priority.

But there is also the little matter of reaching the Champions League group stages for the first time in the club's history.

Celtic are almost certainly going to be unseeded in their qualifying tie with as-yet-unknown opponents, who could well turn out to be a European giant.

Lennon added: "I think it is vital for a club like Celtic to take the next step.

"The two preliminary games will be the two biggest games the club has had for a long time."

Lennon was speaking at the launch of the club's new away kit - white shirts and black shorts and socks - which will be worn for the first time on Sunday in the friendly with Shelbourne.

The Northern Ireland international was under no illusions that the club are preparing for anything other than a hard season.

He said: "It's going to be a very competitive season for us. Obviously we have got the added incentive of Europe.

"It's always important to get things right domestically and we are not looking beyond that. Anything else we get would be a bonus."

Winger Bobby Petta was of the same mind.

He said: "We are going to try and do our best this season. It's going to be a hard year and there is a lot of pressure.

"But the manager knows what he is doing.

"Europe is going to be important as well, as it has been a while since we were in the Champions League, but we have got to get through the qualifiers first.

"It will be good for the club if we get through. It's going to be hard as there are going to be some very good teams in there.

"But the league is obviously our number one priority."

Celtic's friendly with Portuguese side Porto in Paris has been confirmed as taking place in the Charlety Stadium on Tuesday July 17.

Porto are spending their pre-season in France and invited Celtic to take part in an unusual double away game.