NEIL Lennon has insisted Celtic possess the strength in depth needed to both maintain their European run and challenge for a record-equalling ninth consecutive Scottish title this season.
The treble treble winners travel to Denmark this week to play in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 double header against Copenhagen on Thursday night.
The Glasgow club, who topped their group for the first time in their history after wins over Cluj, Lazio and Rennes, are favourites to win the tie and progress.
Continued domestic success is of massive importance to the defending Scottish champions, who moved 10 points clear of Rangers in the Ladbrokes Premiership table in midweek, in the 2019/20 campaign.
But Lennon, who brought Ryan Christie, Mohammed Elyounoussi and Tom Rogic off the bench in the 5-0 win over Hearts on Wednesday night, is confident he has the squad to cope with a hectic schedule.
“We’ve got a lot of fixtures,” he said. “We had the luxury of making a few changes last weekend and then a few more again in midweek.
“I was delighted with the performance and the result (against Hearts) as well. And I was pleased with the subs that came on – Moy, Tom and Ryan all made a big contribution as well.
“It’s great having those three in particular to call upon from the bench, the creative types. They’re players who change a game or get you a goal.
“With Moy we have to be a bit more mindful as he’s been out a bit longer. But you can see he’s getting up to speed as well.
“That was one of the strongest benches I’ve had in my time as Celtic manager. We’ll need the full squad at some point.”
Lennon is pleased to have Ryan Christie, who underwent groin surgery after the defeat to Rangers in December, available for selection once again.
“It’s brilliant to have him back,” he said. “I was so happy to see him score the other night. He gives you great energy and quality.
“He’ll be frustrated at the minute because he’s not playing as the team is playing so well. But it won’t be too long before he’s back in.”
Lennon is also hoping to have Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Elhamed back soon after the right backs both returned to training.
"Frimpong is back now,” he said. “Elhamed might take a bit longer because of the length of time he’s been back.’’
Lennon will turn his attentions to the meeting with Superliga champions after the Premiership match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie this afternoon.
"You can’t look too far ahead at the moment when we have so many games,’’ he said.
“We’ve had Copenhagen watched. They were on their winter break but had a tournament out there.
“It will be nice to get back into Europe again, although we’ve been enjoying the domestic stuff. There’s a momentum there and a quiet confidence about us.’’
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