Neil Lennon is pleased with Celtic’s pre-season showings – despite consecutive defeats to Sevastopol and CFR Cluj.The Hoops have yet to win a friendly fixture this summer and have scored just one goal – a consolation from Georgios Samaras in the 2-1 reverse to Cluj – as they continue their build-up to the Champions League clash with Cliftonville next week.
„This was a step up for us,” Lennon said. „They have an experienced squad who were in the Champions League last year, and we had a mixed bag again.
„We had two young lads who started and did very well again so it was very, very pleasing.
„It was a great workout. A little bit hot but we were up against a good side here. There was a little bit of rust there from a few but that’s to be expected.
„I’m expecting them to be sharper from now on though, they were second to the ball too often for my liking.”
Next up for the Hoops is a clash with Greuther Furth tonight and Lennon could have more options to choose from.
He said: „The squad are coming back in dribs and drabs.
„That was Sami’s first run-out, Kelvin (Wilson) is getting back into it, and then we have Victor (Wanyama), Emilio (Izaguirre) and Tom Rogic to join in.
„Stokesy needs a game now as well, he’s just back from a groin strain. The game might be too soon for Victor and Emilio but we’ll see how they are.
„We’ll have to balance training with the games because we don’t want to pick up any injuries.”
