Lennon pleased despite Europa departure

Celtic boss Neil Lennon was ‘proud’ of his side despite bowing out of the Europa League on Thursday.

The Scottish Premier League giants could only manage a 1-1 draw at Udinese, a result which ended their hopes of making the knockout stages.

Celtic did grab an early lead thanks to Gary Hooper but Antonio Di Natale netted the leveller for the hosts.

“I was very proud of the team, everyone made a fantastic contribution and with a bit of luck we’d be through,” Lennon told ESPN.

“I thought there was a clear handball, I thought it hit one of their centre-backs on the arm, we hit the post, we had one cleared off the line.”

“In terms of chances it was almost as good as we’ve played. To come away from home, to Italy of all places, and play like that was good to see.”

Udinese manager Francesco Guidolin admitted he felt sorry for Celtic after their exit, despite the Scots’ dominance of the match.

“We played in a very, very tough group and tonight was like a final in which a single incident could’ve seen us either go out or win,” Guidolin said.

“In the first half we struggled, but we were sumptuous after the break. It was a hard group phase that took a lot out of us. I genuinely felt sorry for Celtic, as they are a tough and fair team. They deserved to go through as well.”

Udinese are now through to the last 32 of the competition and Guidolin is expecting another tough draw.

“Knowing our luck, you’ll see we will definitely be paired with one of the Manchester clubs, whether it be United or City,” he said.

“After picking Arsenal in the Champions League play-offs and this group, it seems inevitable.”