AS Celtic prepare for their first game of the 2020/21 campaign this Sunday against Hamilton Accies, manager Neil Lennon praised new signing Vasilis Barkas and the players who’ve stood the test of time at Paradise.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference at Lennoxtown, the Irishman said goalkeeper Barkas is fit for selection for Sunday’s encounter but admitted the 26-year-old Greek internationalist has endured a busy few days while moving to Glasgow’s East End.

Neil Lennon likewise said he knows exactly what’s required of him and his players in the season ahead, and hailed his captain and some of his most experienced stars.

“Vasilis came in on Wednesday,” said the manager. “He was able to train on Friday, and we’ll gauge how he is. He had a lot of travelling and medical things in order to get the deal over the line. We’re very pleased, we’ve been looking at him for a lengthy period of time and I think he’ll be a very good addition to the squad.

“He’s got a good presence, good size, he’s very composed, he’s got good reflexes, and he’s comfortable coming for crosses, which is what you want, certainly in the Scottish game. He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet as well, and at 26 he’s got a lot of experience as well.”

Neil Lennon said he plans to underline the importance of the forthcoming campaign in a team meeting before Sunday’s game, and stressed this squad knows how to handle pressure. External hype is something outwith he and his players’ control, but he’s certain they have the wherewithal to continue winning games and retain trophies.

He added: “We’ll have a team meeting tomorrow night, just to remind them of the importance. There’s been a lot of distractions with the pandemic and us not playing football and the other leagues abroad going.

“They’ve been away from competitive football for a while. We’ve been a little bit softly, softly with them on pre-season, but we’ll whip them mentally now and get them really focused on what lies ahead.

“It’s huge to have players like Brown, Forrest and McGregor in that dressing room. They’ve done it time and time again I take nothing for granted. It takes so much preparation to do what they do on a weekly basis. We also have good types in the likes of Ntcham and Rogic, and Chris Jullien came in and proved that he’s a big character about the place as well.”

Neil Lennon hails new Bhoy and Celtic stars ahead of new season