NEIL LENNON admitted he had reasons to be cheerful after the Europa League last-32 draw paired them with FC Copenhagen.
However, the Celtic boss insists his team must be wary of the Danes if they hope to make European progress.
The Hoops, as the seeded team, have home advantage in the crucial second leg, but Lennon is adamant there is hard work ahead against the side currently sitting second in the Superliga.
The Irishman, speaking to Sky Sports News, said: “I think it’s a good draw when you consider we’ve avoided the Champions League teams dropping down into the Europa League and maybe some of the perceived bigger clubs.
“They are still a team with a great European pedigree over the years, whether it it be the Champions League or Europa League. They did very well to come out of the group.
“We know they’ve got a break now, that may work in our favour when the fixtures come round in February, so I’m pleased we’re away first and, psychologically, we can bring them back here and, hopefully, do well over the two ties. In essence, we’re pleased with the draw.”
Former gaffer Brendan Rodgers led the team to the same stage last term before losing home and away to Valencia 3-0 on aggregate with the Spaniards who reached the semi-finals.
Lennon refused point blank to say how far he thought the Parkhead outfit could travel in their latest European adventure and added: “It’s difficult to say, I don’t like making predictions. We don’t play until February 20, it’s a couple of months away, that’s a lifetime in football.
“We’ll see how we’re looking, we’ll see how strong we are. We may look to bring one or two players in to add to what we already have in January. We’re looking forward to it, but it’s still a long way off.
“At this stage, it’s always going to be a good team you come up against and Copenhagen certainly fall into that category.”
The Hoops progressed to the knock-out stages after finishing top of their group – winning four, drawing one and losing one of their six outings – while the Danes finished runners-up to Malmo.
