NEIL Lennon has stressed the importance of maintaining the pressure on AIK in tonight’s Europa League play-off, and said his side would eradicate the mistakes which cost them in the Champions League qualifier last week.

“We lost one game," he said. "I didn’t think we deserved to lose it but we did and that’s the harsh reality of it.

“We have to try and eradicate the individual mistakes we made and keep focus on doing the right things and keep the pressure on to doing the right. We need to keep the pressure on in big moments in the game. We’ll need to keep a prolonged period of possession and pressure on AIK because when we do that at home, we’re a very strong team.

“We’re at home so, obviously, we want to take a good advantage over to Stockholm. They’re an excellent side with some good players. Seb Larrson is very experienced. They’re a rigid, big Scandinavian side as you would expect. It would be great if we could get on the front foot and play as well as we can. We’re free-scoring at the minute so we want to keep that going.

“I want to start the game better than we did against Cluj, that’s vitally important. We’ve analysed the opposition and how things could have gone better against Cluj, which you do as you go along. We’re looking forward to it, we’re excited about it and we want to make our mark.

“With it being early in the season, we’re still trying to hit top form but I’ve seen enough of our team this season to know we can play very well, we’re a very dangerous side and we need to show that tonight.”

Neil Lennon stressed that taking a lead over to Sweden is important but explained that keeping a clean sheet would be crucial in deciding the outcome of the tie.

“It’s always a risk to try and attempt to outscore teams,” said the manager. “With away goals in mind, a clean sheet is imperative. We haven’t kept a clean sheet in a few games and that’s something we want to work on. I’m delighted with the amount of chances we’re creating and scoring. Scott Brown will be back tomorrow night and he’ll play a pivotal role in making sure he patrols in front of the back four.”

Neil Lennon: Bhoys must heap pressure on AIK