BOSS HAILS ‘SUPERIOR’ HOOPS

NEIL LENNON insists his current Celtic team is superior to the one he managed first time around.

The Hoops boss made the revelation following the 1-1 draw with Rennes in the opening game of the Europa League group in Brittany last night.

The result was a replica of the one he achieved against the same team in European competition in his first stint as Parkhead gaffer.

Lennon, speaking to the BBC, said: “This team is superior to the team I had seven or eight years ago, there’s more experience at this level.

“”Callum McGregor and Scott Brown were brilliant, Christopher Jullien had an outstanding game, too. James Forrest comes up with another big moment in the game. Fraser Forster didn’t have a great deal to do.

“We’re unbeaten away from home this season in Europe, which is down to the players – the system seems to suit them and we’re scoring goals.

“It’s a great start, but you always want more.

“I thought we were the better team. We should have had a penalty for a foul on Ryan Christie, but I have to be satisfied with coming away from home and playing very strongly against a good side.

SPOT ON…Ryan Christie sweeps in Celtic’s penalty-kick equaliser.

It speaks volumes about the character and quality of the team.

“I’m delighted with the performance and I know we can improve as we go on. We have a lot to look forward to.

“Off the back of a great domestic result, getting another great result away from home gives us a lot of confidence. We thoroughly merited a point, if not the three points.”

Lennon also confirmed Boli Bolingoli is a “doubt for the next few games” after going off with what looked like a groin strain.

He added: “We didn’t want to take too many chances with him. I don’t think it’s too serious, but it’s not like him to come off.”

Jonny Hayes deputised against the French and put in his usual sterling shift.

The champions face Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Sunday and there could be the chance for Greg Taylor, signed from the Rugby Park outfit for £2.25million just before the transfer deadline this month, to make his debut.

The Scotland international left-back has been sidelined recently through injury and missed Killie’s last two Premiership outings before his switch to the champions.