NEIL Lennon admitted he was disappointed to lose against Cluj but said the game was hugely important in helping strengthen his squad for the crucial domestic games coming up. Celtic suffered a 2-0 loss in Romania in their final game of the Europa League group stages, but the Scottish champions had already guaranteed top spot in the group coming into the game.

Neil Lennon fielded a much-changed Celtic side for the game in order to keep his squad fresh for the five league games they will play in the next few weeks.

The manager acknowledged the loss was not ideal but insisted he got what he needed from the game, having had the chance to field some players who haven’t been as involved this season.

“We’re disappointed to lose the game but in the main I was very pleased with what I got out of it," he said. "Some of my players needed the games and needed the 90 minutes. I thought we played very well in the first half but we were very passive at the start of the second half.

"I’m disappointed to concede from a set-play but, overall, we’ve had an amazing campaign and I’m happy to have used the squad tonight because we have so many important domestic games coming up.

“I thought it was important the others had a little bit of a light week rather than playing another heavy game after the exertions of Sunday. These are huge games in the context of the season coming up because the league championship is our priority.

“The likes of Griffiths, Bitton, Bolingoli, Bauer and Bayo getting time on the pitch has given them minutes in their legs now for the games coming up. These are huge games in the context of our season because the championship is our priority.”

Among the changes in the starting XI was Celtic Academy graduate Scott Robertson. The 18-year-old midfielder made his Hoops debut in the game and his manager was pleased with his performance. Neil Lennon also gave Karamoko Dembele his European debut, making him the youngest ever Celtic player to play in Europe.

“Scott Robertson made his debut and had a terrific game,” said the manager. “Scott’s performance delighted me. I thought it was a superb debut for an 18-year-old to come in and play in that environment so maturely and with a lot of composure.

“We think very highly of Dembele. I wanted to give him some experience. I want to keep him around the team squad because we think he’s a real talent and I wanted to give him a little bit of experience at this level.”

Neil Lennon: Minutes for the players was the priority in Cluj game