Neil Lennon revealed he wished Ange Postecoglou all the best for Celtic's Champions League return – and reckons they can spring a shock on Real Madrid.
The Scottish Premiership champions take on the reigning kings of Europe on Tuesday night in the club's first group stage outing since 2017. And they could hardly have wished for a more glamorous tie, one Postecoglou insists they will rise to by going after Carlo Ancelotti's superstars.
Lennon, now manager at Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, masterminded one of Celtic 's all-time great European nights by beating Barcelona in 2012 and is thrilled the club are once again back on the biggest stage. He paid tribute to his successor in Postecoglou and says he text the Aussie coach ahead of Celtic's 4-0 derby win over Rangers, urging him to soak up every moment of the big occasions. Lennon told talkSPORT: "It's such a big night, the first time in a few years. Celtic really want to be at the top table and they are now again.
"It's the blue ribbon event and the big guns are coming back to town. With Rangers in the Champions League as well, I said a few weeks ago Glasgow will be rocking over the next few months.
"It's what the Scottish game needed. The clubs have done well over last few years in Europe but everybody wants the Champions League. It's a huge night for the players and obviously Ange Postecoglou as well. Off the back of a great win at the weekend and in a great vein of form, they'll be really looking forward to it. As will the supporters.
"The club and the team with the support are capable of beating any team on any given night. If they can catch Real Madrid cold, then it wouldn't surprise me if they got some sort of result. But's it's going to be very difficult as Real Madrid are one of the top teams in the world.
"It's going to be a great occasion. The thing is, there's no pressure on Celtic, the expectation is on Real Madrid and being the underdogs will suit Celtic.
Lennon continued: "It's amazing (as a manager) because you're going up against the best teams and coaches. Ange has earned the right off the back of what he did last season in the league and getting qualification for the Champions League is fantastic for him to develop as a coach.
"I just sent him a message before the weekend, wishing him all the best and to enjoy it. It's a huge week for Celtic, beating Rangers and then having this huge game coming.
"It doesn't get much better than that, for a Celtic manager or player. You want to enjoy it but you also want to compete and give your team the best opportunity and preparation.
"They could get something out of the game in the form they're in, it could be important to get a goal before the hour mark because they'll put so much into the first 45 minutes. The two full-backs for Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, are outstanding and they're going to have to be tonight to deal with Celtic's pace.
"They'll be ready for it, Real Madrid won't spooked. But if Celtic score first they've got a great chance of getting something out of the game."
