Lennon backs Celtic to beat Barca

Celtic star Neil Lennon today claimed that the Scottish champions were facing Barcelona at the best possible time.

Manager Martin O’Neill has admitted the Catalan giants should expect to take six points from their two meetings.

But the midfielder is more upbeat and believes that Celtic love nothing better than being the underdogs in Europe.

The Glasgow outfit dumped Frank Rijkaard’s men out of the UEFA Cup last season.

And, while Lennon believes Barcelona are one of the best three sides on the continent at the moment, he is convinced lightning can strike twice at Parkhead because the Primera Liga season has only just started.

Barca have only played two games this season – they won both – compared to Celtic’s five.

And Lennon said: “We will go in as the underdogs which is a tag the lads quite enjoy.

“We have nothing to lose and it is a great game against world class players.

“They are one of the top three teams in Europe but it’s a good time to play them after two competitive games.

“With the crowd behind us then we will hope to make it a really uncomfortable night for them.

“We need a little bit of luck in these games and we are under no illusions that this group is going to be tough.

“The onus is on us to take the game to them and make it as difficult as possible.

“Of course we can win and go through. I have faith in the manager and the players.

“It’s going to be pretty formidable to get through and I’m sure tomorrow will be no different.”

Lennon and his team-mates are also aiming to make life as uncomfortable as possible for returning hero Henrik Larsson.

He believes that the hype surrounding the return of their prodigal son has suited the Scottish champions and expects the Swedish international to have a tough night.

“I haven’t spoken to him but a few of the guys have,” added Larsson.

“I have had no chance to speak to him just yet but I’m sure there will be mixed emotions for him coming back.

“He will get a tremendous ovation up to the first whistle.

“It has been a good thing for us – it has been pretty low key as far as we’re concerned.

“It has given us a bit of breathing space and I think it’s going to be a difficult night for him in some ways.

“He is a consummate professional and I’m sure he’ll just get on with it.”