Neil Lennon is looking to deliver success in Europe as well as domestically.
It’s become trendy to discuss what arena is Celtic’s priority this season but in the real world it’s possible to enjoy success in tandem.
Back in season 2011/12 a strong showing in a Europa League group that included Atletico Madrid, Udinese and Rennes provided the springboard to a title win as the hoops battled back from a 15 point deficit to take the title in style.
Following up a win over Cluj by losing at Livingston wasn’t on the script but with Lazio and Aberdeen looming the Celtic boss isn’t contemplating splitting his priorities beyond winning the next match.
Lennon told The Sun:
The league is still the priority, there is no question about that but we want to be successful on all fronts and European football is important. The players have earned the right and worked hard in the games coming off close season — they’ve played really, really well in Europe.
We know we have Aberdeen on Sunday and that’s a huge game in the context of the league but our first priority is just to put on a good performance on Thursday. It’s really important for the club’s reputation. It’s important for the fans and for the players as well.
Ryan Christie will replace Tom Rogic in the Celtic side tonight then sit out the visit to Pittodrie on Sunday as he completes his two match suspension.
A win over Lazio will set Celtic up to progress into the knock-out phase of the Europa League but that will be in the background when they kick off at Aberdeen on Sunday lunch-time.