Lennon upbeat despite Celtic first leg loss
Celtic boss Neil Lennon remains optimistic of UEFA Champions League qualification, despite a disappointing 2-0 loss to Shakhter Karagandy.
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The Scottish champions were made to pay for some poor defending and wasteful finishing in the final third, as goals from Andrey Finonchenko and Sergei Khizhnichenko gave the hosts a healthy advantage at the Astana Arena.
The result leaves Celtic facing a difficult challenge to reach this season's group stages, but Lennon believes that they can still turn the tie around in the return leg at Celtic Park on August 28.
"It's a big task but the tie is far from over," he said. "We have plenty in us to turn the deficit around.
"The players will be very motivated. A few of the players are disappointed with their performances.
"We're still well in this tie but there's a lot to do."
Lennon admitted that his side's lack of cutting edge had proved particularly costly.
"We lacked a bit of composure in the final bit, we just needed a goal to change the complexion of the tie," he added.
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"(But) we had plenty of chances and it gives us plenty of encouragement for the second game in Glasgow."
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