Kazakh trip bothering Celtic manager Neil Lennon

Neil Lennon

Scottish giants Celtic face a “logistical nightmare” in travelling to face Kazakh qualifiers Shakhter Karagandy in the UEFA Champions League play-offs, admits the club manager Neil Lennon.

The Scottish champions travel to the Shakhtyor Stadium in two weeks’ time before hosting the Kazakh league champions Shakhter Karagandy at Celtic Park.

According to him, his team face an uphill task as they make a trip into an unknown and unfamiliar land.

Speaking after the 1-0 friendly victory over Liverpool, Lennon told in a post-match conference that: “The draw is a bit of an unknown one for us. Logistically it will be a nightmare in terms of travelling.

“It could have been kinder but it could have been tougher as well. It will be impossible for me to go and watch them, but hopefully we’ll have some representation over there.”

He also expects the sale of defender Kelvin Wilson to Nottingham Forest to be the last departure from the club this summer.

“We are burnt in terms of numbers and hope to add to the squad over the next couple of days, the deadline is Monday,” he added. “I’m not envisaging anyone else leaving; it’s about strengthening the squad now. We’re working very hard and it’s on-going.”

The Celts hope of relieving the moments of victory like last year’s surprsie victory over Barcelona in the group stages of the Champions League.