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Celtic boss Neil Lennon looking to ‘dynamite’ front three as Hoops seek Cluj revenge
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is aiming for revenge against Cluj on Thursday, and is likely to send out his full-strength front three.
Celtic 'very excited' about CFR Cluj match says Neil Lennon
Celtic trio Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie and James Forrest are set to start in Glasgow tonight (8pm) as the Hoops attempt to banish memories of their recent meeting with CFR Cluj.
The Hoops were knocked out of Champions League qualifying by the Romanian champions in August, losing 4-3 at home in the second tie.
Lennon had admitted that the defeat could provide extra motivation, and backed his front three to perform.
“They are a really good trio,” he told the Scotsman.
“James is more experienced and while Odsonne and Ryan are still quite young, they are all playing with a decent level of confidence.
“When they’re in full flow, they’re really difficult to stop.
“They were dynamite in the second half against Cluj that night, but we missed a trick in the first half because we didn’t get the ball forward quickly enough and we didn’t get it into the right areas.
“Allied to those three players in attack, there’s the likes of Chris Jullien, Boli Bolingoli, Kris Ajer, Scott Brown, and Callum McGregor giving us a great platform.”
Celtic are looking to go top of the group after drawing against Rennes in their opener, and their Northern Irish boss has warned the visitors that his side have improved since they last faced each other.
"It is a new back four more or less and a new goalkeeper - we've been on a very good run since then," Lennon added.
"I've been delighted with the reaction and the style of play, and the motivation the players have.
"I think Cluj are a good team and they've proved that.
”Since they played us, they came close to knocking out Slavia Prague and they had a good result against Lazio.
"It is going to be a tough game for us but one that we're ready for."
Cluj coach Dan Petrescu has also given his thoughts on the tie, and revealed why it will be a very different match.
He said: ”Last time, we really had to win to qualify. That's why we had to attack, but this will be a different game and it is very important not to lose so we will have our own strategy."