Football: Celtic manager Lennon writes off repeat of Barcelona shock

GLASGOW (AFP) - Celtic manager Neil Lennon says it would be unrealistic to expect a repeat of last season's famous win over Barcelona when the Catalan giants visit Parkhead on Tuesday.

Celtic grabbed a historic 2-1 win over the Spanish champions in Glasgow last November on their way to securing a place in the last-16 of the Champions League.

Barcelona are the visitors again on Tuesday night in their Group H clash and many Celtic fans are hopeful of a repeat performance.

But while Barca have added Brazilian superstar Neymar to their squad, Celtic have sold influential trio Gary Hooper, Kelvin Wilson and Victor Wanyama, who scored in last season's memorable triumph.

And manager Lennon, whose side slumped to a shock 1-0 League Cup defeat by Championship side Morton last week, was quick to quell any expectations of another victory against a team he rates as the best in the world and with the best player, Lionel Messi.

"There is a strange expectation but to me it's unrealistic," the Celtic manager said.

"This is arguably the best club side in the world with the best player of all-time, in my opinion.

"So we will have to find that inner strength, concentration and intensity to our play again but I've got great belief in these players."

Celtic warmed up for the match against Barca with a 5-2 thrashing of Kilmarnock that moved them level at the top of the Scottish Premiership with leaders Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

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