Lennon: I’d like to face Madrid

Neil Lennon says he hopes for Celtic to be drawn against Real Madrid in today’s Champions League group stage draw.

The Scottish club are in pot four of Thursday afternoon’s draw in Monaco after turning around a two-goal deficit to defeat Shakhter Karagandy 3-0 on Wednesday evening and 3-2 on aggregate in the Play-off round.

Guaranteeing them a place in the competition proper, their Coach has set his sights on a possible encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo and company.

“What we have come through in the last six, seven weeks has been really difficult. It is a huge feeling of relief and a huge feeling of pride,” enthused Lennon after yesterday’s dramatic win, which required a stoppage-time winner.

“Who would I want to meet in the group stages? Now, I would like to play Real Madrid. I think that would be pretty special for Celtic.

“Or maybe a Battle of Britain would be great as well but I don't care – it's just a magnificent feeling.

“But what is most important is that we are here. I'm delighted for the players and supporters.”

In last year’s Champions League, Lennon’s side defeated Barcelona 2-1 at Celtic Park in the group phase.

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