NEIL LENNON praised two-goal Mohamed Elyounoussi after his performance against Lille in the 2-2 Europa League Group H stalemate in France last night.
But the Celtic boss insisted the Norwegian international forward should have done BETTER!
Lennon watched in glee as the on-loan Southampton star fired the visitors into a 2-0 interval lead, but he passed up two opportunities after the turnaround to add to his tally.
The Hoops gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “That’s the best I’ve seen him. He was running away from people when in some domestic games he’s looked out of sorts at times.
“He was absolutely tremendous. Same against AC Milan last week. He just needs that consistency now. He was a real class player against Lille and a catalyst for a strong performance.
“Moi scored two beauties. The first is a pearler.
“I just wish he had pulled the trigger second-half on the counter-attack when it opened up for us on two occasions.”
Odsonne Edouard and Nir Bitton also got some game-time as second-half substitutes after missing out in recent outings due to coronavirus issues and Lennon added: “There were some great performances under the circumstances and it’s a point that keeps us very much alive in the group.
“I think we can take a lot of positives. Diego Laxalt was excellent. There has been nothing wrong with the confidence.
“We felt that we played really well in the second-half against AC Milan. We then scored three goals away from home at Aberdeen last weekend and didn’t get what we deserved.
“Now we have come away with a positive result, even though it could have been better. I thought we were very positive for the majority.
“I’m not getting carried away. There’s no doubt what happened in the international break set us back and I need more of them fitter with the way we want to play.
“If we can win against Sparta Prague next week that would open the group up nicely.”
Lennon’s immediate thoughts, though, will be focused on Hampden on Sunday when the holders take on Aberdeen in the delayed Scottish Cup semi-final.
A win over Derek McInnes’ side will line up a showpiece shoot-out with either Hibs or Hearts in the grand finale on December 20 – where Celtic would have the opportunity to clinch the phenomenal quadruple treble.
DRAMA AS HOOPS HOLD ON AFTER TWO-GOAL ADVANTAGE
