Neil Lennon looked on with the rest of Scotland last week as his Celtic players played a crucial role in helping the national side defeat Serbia and reach their first major tournament in over two decades.

Now the Celtic manager is anticipating a knock-on effect with from his international players when they return to Lennoxtown with an injection of confidence and motivation.

Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie combined for the latter to score Scotland’s opener, while both McGregor and Leigh Griffiths were on target in the penalty shoot-out.

And former Hoops goalkeeper, David Marshall, saved the vital spot-kick which gave Scotland a place in next summer’s European Championship.

Speaking exclusively to this week’s Celtic View, Neil Lennon said: “I think it’s brilliant for the Scotland national team. It’s a huge monkey off their backs, and it will also bring some much-needed revenue into the game at that level and it’s great for the profile of the sport in this country. We’ve waited a long time for it, so I think that everyone is delighted.

“It’s a great goal from Ryan. Callum’s done brilliantly to intercept the pass and his little reverse pass to Ryan was just as good. Ryan’s manipulated the ball superbly well and it’s a great finish – one we’ve almost grown to expect from the likes of Ryan.

“I thought Scotland were the better team for the majority of the game, and then you’re suddenly thinking at the end, ‘Oh no, here we go again’. But they showed great resolve in extra-time and throughout the penalties.

“It was a great night for them all, and, from the club’s point of view, our boys. We’ve had a lot of representation in the Scotland squad over the past four or five years, so that’s some great vindication for them.

“Ryan was very emotional after the game in his interview, and that shows you what it means to him. This team has inspired a generation of young footballers in Scotland."

“There has been a whole generation who’ve missed out on being able to watch their country play international tournaments, and now this squad have done it. And now we’ve all got something to look forward to at the end of the season.”

And the Hoops boss also had words of praise for Scotland manager, Steve Clarke, who has guided the national team to their first major tournament since 1998,

“Steve never gets carried away, and I’m really happy for him,” said Neil Lennon. “I got to know him a bit when he was in charge of Kilmarnock, and I played against him a few times over the years and always found him really nice and really approachable. He’s a very smart coach and he’s got the best out of those players. Qualifying for the Euros is a real feather in his cap.

“There’s no pressure on Scotland now, all of the pressure is off of them, and they can go out now and enjoy it. Steve will have them well-drilled and he’s found a system that really suits that group of players. They look really hard to beat now, which is fantastic.”

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Celtic View Exclusive: Neil Lennon's delight for Scottish Bhoys