Champions League: Celtic must win says Lennon

Neil Lennon insists Celtic must win against Ajax at Parkhead tonight if they have to stand a chance of being involved in Europe after Christmas.

The Celtic boss admits his side’s chances would hang by a thread if they failed to take all three points tonight.

Celtic are bottom of their UEFA Champions League qualifying group after defeats in their opening two matches against AC Milan and Barcelona.

Ajax have one point against their name following a 1-1 draw against Milan in Amsterdam and Lennon insists anything less than a victory would leave the Hoops on the brink of elimination.

“Put it this way, tomorrow is a must-not-lose game as I am confident with this team that we can perform away from home as well,” said Lennon.

“Winning the game would put us in a really good position within the group but losing would probably end our aspirations for trying to qualify.

“I watched Ajax on Saturday night (drew 1-1 at Twente) and they came on very strong in the second half and probably deserved to take something out of the game.

“They are going to give us problems the way they move the ball about, the way they play the game. They have pace in their team in wide areas but we’re ready.

“And we’re looking forward to it. We know what’s at stake and the fact that we are at home gives us a slight edge.”