NEIL Lennon described Celtic’s performance against AIK as ‘outstanding’ after watching his side secure their place in the Europa League group stages with a 4-1 win in Stockholm. The Hoops stormed into Friday’s Europa League group-stage draw after convincingly beating the Swedish champions 6-1 on aggregate.

Speaking exclusively to Celtic TV immediately after the game, Neil Lennon was elated with his team’s display.

“It was an outstanding performance,” said the Hoops boss. “The whole team were outstanding. The subs that came on made a contribution and I couldn’t have envisioned us playing so well.

“Going forward tonight, we were a dream at times. Scoring four goals away from home, it could’ve been more. It was brilliant. We looked strong and played brilliant football at times, defended resolutely when we needed to.

“I can’t ask for any more from the players at the minute. Apart from one half against Cluj we’ve made an outstanding start to the season, and we’ve now got some big games to look forward to.”

Celtic had to endure a difficult start to the game with Kolbeinn Sigthórsson hitting the post in the second minute. But the Hoops soon found their feet and it was James Forrest who once again emerged as the goal hero when he opened the scoring on 17 minutes.

Seb Larsson equalised from the penalty spot but Celtic’s response was swift and Mikey Johnston quickly put the Bhoys back in front. Christopher Jullien and Lewis Morgan added to the goals tally to give Celtic a memorable away win in Europe.

Neil Lennon heaped praise on his players for their hunger in front of goal as well as their defensive performance.

“The first goal was a beautiful goal,” he said. “There was great interplay from James and Odsonne and then a composed finish. I thought Jamesy was magnificent tonight, on and off the ball.

"The front four looked very powerful and looked a threat. We kept going and kept wanting more goals. There was a real thirst for goals tonight and that’s the way we want to play.

“We looked at the first half against Cluj and that wasn't us. Ever since then we've tried to step-up the tempo of our pressing. John and Damien do great work with that and we're seeing the results of that, and the more they get used to the hard work, the easier the hard work becomes.”

Neil Lennon delighted with Celtic's attacking play in AIK win