SM
Ipswich vs. Man United: 12 hrs 12 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
CC
Europa League | Group Stage
Dec 12, 2019 at 5.55pm UK
 
CL

2-0

Burca (49'), Dokovic (70')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Neil Lennon "very pleased" despite Celtic defeat in Romania

:Headline: Neil Lennon 'very pleased' despite Celtic defeat in Romania: ID:382685: from db_amp
The Hoops were beaten by two second-half goals.

Neil Lennon insists he got exactly what he wanted from his makeshift Celtic team despite the Hoops suffering the first defeat of their successful Europa League group campaign with a 2-0 loss against Cluj.

The Scottish champions had already won Group E to secure a last-32 spot before the final fixture in Romania and Lennon made nine changes to the side which beat Rangers 1-0 in the Betfred Cup final at Hampden Park on Sunday.

Lennon left a clutch of key players in Glasgow with 18-year-old midfielder Scott Robertson making his debut.

But after four wins and a draw in the section, the visitors went down to second-half goals from defender Andrei Burca and midfielder Damjan Djokovic to secure second spot for Dan Petrescu's side.

Lennon said: "Obviously I'm disappointed to lose the game but in the main very pleased with what I got out of the game.

"I'm happy to have used the squad tonight because we have so many important domestic games coming up.

"Some players needed the games and needed the 90 minutes. Scott Robertson made his debut and had a terrific debut. For such a young player he showed such maturity and composure.

"My only criticism is I thought we were very passive at the start of the second half and I'm disappointed to lose a goal from a set play.

"But overall we've had an amazing campaign. The campaign wasn't about tonight. The campaign for us was done and dusted and we've already won a trophy so I didn't want to risk injury.

"I wanted to give others some experience and game time and they'll need that for the games coming up.

"I thought (Olivier) Ntcham was unbelievable, to give him the captaincy and to take on the responsibility the way he did.

"I thought he was top class. I was pleased for Craig Gordon as well, he made some important saves."

Celtic's 16-year-old attacker Karamoko Dembele replaced Mikey Johnston in the second half to become the youngest ever player for the club in a European competition.

Lennon said: "That wasn't at the forefront of my mind. We think very highly of him. I wanted to give him some experience. I want to keep him around the squad because he's a real talent."

Academy graduate Robertson claimed his debut was "a dream come true for me and my family."

He added: "It was brilliant for me. I was taken aback on Wednesday when I knew I was starting. I was a wee bit nervous but mostly it was excitement through the day.

"I thought I was okay. I started the game quite well. It took a while for my second wind to kick in but I thought I grew into the game very well."

amp_article__382685 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-12-12 22:00:09:
html db last update - 2019-12-12 22:00:09 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Neil Lennon

Click here for more stories about Celtic

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1211103543134
2Aberdeen12101125121331
3RangersRangers12723179823
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd135531914520
5Motherwell126151616019
6St Mirren145361923-418
7Dundee134362225-315
8Ross County143651222-1015
9St Johnstone144191727-1013
10Kilmarnock133371526-1112
11Hearts142391524-99
12Hibernian131571222-108
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .