Neil Lennon says the worst bit is over for Celtic

Neil Lennon says Champions League play-off games are very stressful. Picture: Gary Hutchison/SNS

Despite being pitted against the brilliance of Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League group stage, there will be a prevailing sense of relief in the corridors of Celtic Park, according to former player and manager Neil Lennon.

“The pressure is off now,” said the man now in charge of Hibernian. “The pressure was getting there. It’s great for Brendan [Rodgers], the players, the supporters. They can enjoy it all, there is no pressure on them other than the pressure they put on themselves to compete in it.

“The journey to get there is the worst part. There is so much riding on qualification,” said Lennon referring not only to the prestige and the added incentive it gives to players to opt for a move to Glasgow, but the £20 million-plus pay-out the glamour fixtures guarantee them.