Lennon breaks Bucharest silence, Shearer is Celtic believer and 2 Champions League risks named – Parkhead news bulletin

It's a big night in Glasgow's east end tonight as Brendan Rodgers and his troops take to the Champions League stage

Celtic have been warned of the TWO Slovan Bratislava players they must watch.

Brendan Rodgers' men will take to the Champions League stage tonight as they bid to get off to the perfect start in front of a sell-out crowd at Parkhead. The atmosphere in Glasgow's east end has been praised far and wide over the years from players past and present and the Hoops boss will be hoping his players can feed off that. Many have named this fixture as the ideal beginning in a bid to reach the knockout rounds. It is a target that Rodgers has set - but he will know three points are vital here to meet those expectations.

Ahead of the game Slovakian journalist Lukas Vrablik appeared on the Scottish Football Podcast to deliver the inside track on Vladimir Weiss' side. He has detailed the type of system he expects them to adopt and named two key figures in their side.

He said: "For some of Bratislava it is a big match today. The first time they are in the group stage. It's been a long road but they are going to go all in and hope to get some result at Celtic. I think they have the potential to get some points. Even if they are the outsiders, they like that position to be in and really like playing against the odds.

"I think that will be the case in all games in the group. They will not be in the position as favourites. I think they will have that ambition to get points today and I think they should - from the point of playing style - should play their typical game which is a counter-attacking style. I don't really think they will park the bus, they are not like that. But i think they will be a little defensive minded. The coach is pragmatic in those kind of games.

"I think Slovan are really comfortable in the position. They have types of players suited to the counter attack. Quick, creative and technical players. Let's see if they feel the pressure of the occasion as well but I think there are so many experienced players. When you look at Slovan's squad, it is quite old. In terms of playing style, Slovan are suited to this counter-attacking style and it might be easier for them to wait on what Celtic create and react to that. The first goal probably will change that of course."

He added: "I think it will end up as a draw. If I can give you a bet. I feel Slovan can get something out of this game. Coach Weiss always gives us something surprising and unexpected. I have a feeling they won't lose and I think the key players could be Juraj Kucka You might remember him from AC Milan and Watford. He is really that kind of fighter in the middle of the park. He's really combative midfielder who can defend well. Vladimir Weiss - the son of the coach - is really creative and can always create the unexpected. I think these two guys should be decisive for Slovan tonight."

Meanwhile, Neil Lennon has spoken out following his sacking from Rapid Bucharest. The former Celtic and Hibs boss was only in charge for six games before his dismissal and he believes he was treated 'incredibly unprofessional.

He told Romanian outlet, Sport pe Surse: "I will speak fully when the time is right. But we were treated very badly by certain people in the Romanian media. You know who I'm talking about.

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"What happened was incredibly unprofessional. I want to return to coaching as soon as possible. No, I don't need a break."

Elsewhere, Alan Shearer reckons the revamp of the Champions League can only benefit Celtic's chances of reaching the next stage. It's a target Rodgers has set for the Scottish champions as they face eight matches in the new league phase. Four will be played at home and four on the road as they bid to secure a spot amongst the top 24.

Speaking to Betfair, he said: "The new format increases the chances of a side like Celtic to do well, because we know what the atmosphere can be like at Celtic Park. If they can finish in that middle bracket and take a side back to Celtic Park for the home leg of the play-offs, that’ll be great for them. This format absolutely enhances their chances of going further in the competition."

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