Neil Lennon claims Celtic’s task of reaching the Champions League is not “insurmountable” despite a shock 2-0 defeat by Shakhter Karagandy in the first-leg of their play-off at the Astana Arena.
The Scottish champions started the match positively but found themselves behind in the 12th minute when Andrei Finonchenko took advantage of some slack defending to score from close range.
The visitors missed a series of chances before and after striker Sergei Khizhnichenko headed in a second after the break to leave the shell-shocked Hoops having to make amends against the Kazakhstan side in next week’s second-leg in Glasgow.
The Celtic Park boss, though, was far from downbeat afterwards.
“It is a big task but the tie is far from over,” said Lennon.
“We have plenty in us to turn it around. The players will be very motivated.
“There will be a few players who will be disappointed with their performances tonight but we are still well in this tie although we have a lot to do. I thought we did more than enough to take something out of the game in terms of goals.
“We had so many clear-cut chances but if you don’t take them then the scoreline is always going to be a negative.
“I was disappointed with the first goal because we talked about it at length, we went to sleep on the second touch but that and the chances we squandered, it makes life difficult for us but far from insurmountable.
“They didn’t (surprise me). We knew exactly how they would play.”