CELTIC go into Thursday’s UEFA Europa League encounter with Stade Rennais having already qualified for the competition’s knockout round of 32. Nevertheless, Neil Lennon is desperate to finish top of Group E going into the new year.

Victory against Rennes would put the Scottish champions on course to do so, and while billing tomorrow night’s fixture as a game to enjoy rather than endure, the Hoops boss is adamant his side will play to win at Paradise.

“The main motivation is to try and get a 100 per cent record in our home games,” said Neil Lennon. “We know that if we can win the group it may give us a favourable draw in the second half of the season.

"We’ve never finished a European group stage with more than 10 points before either, so we’d like to do that as well. Up until now, it’s been a great campaign, but we must keep our focus in Europe and in domestic duties as well.

“We looked at the group when the draw was made, and Lazio and Rennes were playing very well. We knew the difficulties Cluj could give us too, having played them already. To be in this position is very satisfying but we’re not going to relax on it. To have a big crowd here tomorrow night, that’s all the motivation the players need, really.”

The manager acknowledged the inconsistent form Rennes have endured in recent weeks – the Ligue 1 side have won twice, drawn twice and lost seven times since playing Celtic in September – but stressed he will not underestimate the French Cup holders. In turn, he’s determined to win the game and ensure his players perform to their usual high standards.

He added: “Rennes started the season very well, they’ve been inconsistent of late, but they can come here and play with freedom. The manager has chopped and changed the team a little bit, which makes it difficult to read what type of team they’ll put out. We can concentrate on what we want to get out of the game, and that’s a win and to keep moving in the right direction.

“Tomorrow night is a glamour game. There’s no real pressure on us, but we’ll ask the players to perform at the standard we know they’re capable of. It’s a game to enjoy rather than endure, and it’s a bit weird going into a European game that’s not must-win. We’re still driven, and I don’t want them to come off that level of performance.

“You could see the scenes in Rome after the Lazio match, and that’s what the players and supporters have had a taste of. We’re not taking anything for granted, and we want to top the group. That’d be the icing on the cake. Furthermore, we want to protect our home record against a very dangerous opponent.”

Neil Lennon: We want to finish top of UEFA Europa League group