Lennon warns players to expect 'tough test' against HJK Helsinki

Neil Lennon says he is preparing his Celtic side for a "tough task" when they face HJK Helsinki in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of the match at Parkhead on Wednesday, Lennon admitted that he and his backroom team had researched the Finnish team who are currently around halfway through their league campaign.

With Celtic having only competed in a number of friendlies, Lennon admitted his side will not find it easy playing against a team that are match sharp.

He said: "We know quite a bit now because we've had them watched three times.

"They're in good form, they lost a league game at the weekend but up until then they were in good form. They're defensively well organisted, have good players in wide areas and two good full backs who are comfortable on the ball and get forward quite well so it's a very tough task for us.

"They're 18 games into the season which is always beneficial for any team playing a British club at this stage in the season so we'll have to play very well to get through the tie."

Celtic currently have two injury concerns for the game with strikers Kris Commons and Antony Stokes facing late fitness tests.

The attacking pair were withdrawn from Saturday’s friendly draw with Inter Milan after suffering ankle injuries, casting their availability for the Wednesday tie in doubt.

But Lennon said both players have taken a significant step forward in their fitness race.

He said: "We're hopefully almost there, we're still waiting on Antony and Kris. They had a bit of late training today which is a significant step in the right direction from were they where on Saturday, so we'll see how they are in the morning.

"Well that will be depending on how they are feeling and how we see them in the morning, we'll do a light session and see if they can get through that ok and we'll make a decision from there. I mean it's so early in the season that it's difficult to envisage we'll take any risks with any of the players at this stage."

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