Neil Lennon has hit out at UEFA for making his Celtic side play extra Champions League qualifiers this season.
The Hoops made it to the Round of 16 of Europa's premier club competition last season but are still required to win through from the second round of qualifying and Lennon is not too happy about having to start so early in the summer.
"I think it is really harsh to have to play an extra qualifier this year," he said ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Cliftonville.
"We are the champions of our country, we reached the last 16 of the Champions League last season.
"Surely there should be some sort of dispensation for clubs who do well the previous season.
"Maybe it is just me being selfish, but I think it is very harsh on us to be playing so early.
"I don't think it's fair considering the season we had and the amount of games that we had.
"To come back early for this qualifier does not seem right - we could be out by next week."
