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Celtic's Lennon taking positive mindset into Barcelona clash

Celtic boss Neil Lennon insists his side will be looking to beat Barcelona in the Champions League next week.

The Scottish giants host the Blaugrana in Group H next Tuesday and Lennon is going into the clash in a positive frame of mind despite the 2-0 loss to AC Milan in their opening group stage fixture of the season last week.

Lennon can take heart knowing that Celtic did the job over Barcelona last campaign and is looking for a similar result this time around.

"There's a lot of pressure now riding on the Barca game," he said.

"I don't think you can really set out your stall to take points against Barcelona but you can come up with some sort of plan to play them and see where it takes you.

"(Chief scout) John Park was at their game the other night - for Barca to beat Ajax 4-0 is no mean feat.

"They've conceded goals in the league this year but are winning and scoring a lot too.

"Neymar has freshened up their attacking line-up - really, this is Barcelona we are talking about. For me, they have been the best club side in the last 25 years.

"We will change the way we play from Milan. We won't have nearly the same amount of possession but will make the most of what we have and try to contain them."

He added: "I don't want this team to be gallant losers, getting plaudits for losing. I want them to win and get what they deserve.

"There will be times, like Barca in Glasgow last season, when you probably don't deserve much yet you win. If you're looking at the stats and all that rubbish, we got a lot of luck that night."

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Andrew Slevison
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