Celtic manager Neil Lennon has insisted that his side have a chance of causing yet another upset in this seasons Champions League by knocking out Serie A champions Juventus in the first knockout round.
The Scottish champions face their Italian counterparts in the first leg of their last-16 tie at Celtic Park on Tuesday night, and Lennon was in a bullish mood during his press conference on Monday.
Whilst acknowledging his side's role as the underdogs, the Celtic boss said that there was 'a real belief' within his squad that Juventus could be heading home come the end of the second leg.
"We have proved already this season that we can be a match for anyone," said Lennon of his side, who have already beaten Barcelona at Celtic Park in the group stages, and added that 'it would be dangerous' for the Italians to underestimate his team.
Despite his confidence, Lennon is all too aware of the threat Juventus pose over the course of the tie, stating that 'they are blessed with fantastic footballers' including 'excellent strikers' and a top quality midfield:
"They are very strong in midfield. Arturo Vidal is playing very well currently, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio, these are class players including Andrea Pirlo who is still one of the finest midfield players in the world."
Giorgios Samaras is the only injury doubt for Celtic heading into the first leg, with his manager hopeful he can take a place in the squad. Efe Ambrose is also touch-and-go having recently returned from helping Nigeria to victory in the African Cup of Nations.
Celtic will be relying on the likes of Fraser Forster and Victor Wanyama to put in the kind of showing that helped them beat Barcelona in the last stage, and if they do then Celtic Park could well be rocking come full time on Tuesday.
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