CELTIC won their fourth Europa League game on the bounce on Thursday evening when they made light work of Rennes at Celtic Park. An incredible and unexpected run which has seen Celtic break new records for their points tally and winning a group.

It’s a stark contrast from getting into the last 32 by the skin of our teeth on matchday six last term.

Neil Lennon takes the plaudits for shaping this team and giving them the belief to go out there and make a big impression. Even when the bhoys are missing some of their top players, it’s refreshing and something new for supporters.

As we swagger into the round of 32, the echo of what Brendan Rodgers said upon his departure is echoing in my ear.

“Celtic is a huge club – a worldwide renowned club.” Rodgers told Balls.ie

“But, when the opportunity came to talk to Leicester and I was able to analyse it, it allowed me to probably think that I had achieved and taken the club as far as I could at this moment.”

The Irishman gave us so much dominance domestically but in Europe, the results were few and far between. Nobody feared us and we regularly got whipped at Celtic Park. Yes, two of those were in the Champions League against top opposition but in the Europa last term we came up wanting.

The former manager walked away believing he couldn’t do anything more at Celtic with the constraints the club has financially. However, Neil Lennon has shown that statement to be absolutely false.

There was plenty of things we could have improved on and gone for but the manager was stuck in his ways when it came to how his team played.

Neil Lennon has given this Celtic team a real belief and freedom in Europe which has been lacking for so long.