Celtic manager Neil Lennon has insisted that his side are looking forward to their crunch Europa League tie against Udinese.

With the Italian side second in Group I, three points ahead of the Hoops, the Scottish side must win in Italy to join Atletico Madrid in the knockout stages of the competition.

"I'd much rather we were already through," he told reporters.

"It is a daunting proposition for any team to come here but in that respect we know what we have to do.

"We are in good form, off the back of six wins in the league, and confidence is good. It is a great incentive and one that we are all looking forward to."

Celtic are currently second in the SPL table, while Udinese are second in Serie A.