NEIL Lennon targets UEFA Champions League qualification in the coming weeks, and that journey starts tonight (Tuesday) when his side face FK Sarajevo in the competition’s first qualifying round.

Celtic enter the match in Bosnia and Herezgovina aiming to win, but the manager said he and his players have the utmost respect for their opponents, not least because they themselves are also domestic champions.

“Sarajevo are very good in wide areas, their wingers and full-backs are strong,” said Neil Lennon. “They’re a physical side. We expect this game away from home in Europe to be difficult.

“The players know the pressures that come with it and they’re experienced. But our preparation has been good. You can’t enjoy these games, you know it’s still step-by-step, you’re never really comfortable at any stage.

“I think Sarajevo are a good side, they’ve got decent players and a decent pedigree. We expect the atmosphere to be intense.”

Neil Lennon described the tie as dangerous for the Scottish champions, but said he’s determined to bring a favourable result home to Glasgow for next Wednesday’s return leg at Paradise.

He added: “It is very early, the tie can sway both ways. It’s a dangerous tie for Celtic. We’re used to being favourites, particularly in domestic football, but we don’t take anything for granted.

“Sarajevo are the champions of their country and we need to respect that. The tie is over two games. We want to be difficult to beat tonight and we want to take something back to Celtic Park. A week on we will be fitter and sharper and a win would give us a big advantage.”

Neil Lennon: Sarajevo are champions and we will respect that