Celtic manager Neil Lennon: We should have beaten Rennes

The Bhoys manager admitted he was "very proud" of his team after their comeback to earn a point, but they remain bottom of Group I after three games

20 Oct 2011 21:30:00

By Michael Lightfoot

More On :  Celtic, Rennes, Neil Lennon, Joe Ledley
Neil Lennon - Celtic, (Getty Images)
Celtic manager Neil Lennon beleives his side should have come away from their Europa league draw with Rennes with all three points.
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The Bhoys fell behind thanks to a comical own goal by Cha Du-Ri but levelled after 70 minutes through midfielder Joe Ledley - who was playing out of position at left-back.

And Lennon believes his side would have been worthy winners.

"It would have been a real shame having played so well to lose a game with the goal we conceded," he told ESPN.

"But credit to the players in the second half, we weathered a wee bit of a storm.

"Fraser Forster showed his character [with] tremendous saves, but we created some good chances and I felt on the balance of play we should have won the game."

The SPL side fell behind in bizarre circumstances as a misunderstanding between Du-Ri and goalkeeper Forster saw the defender pass the ball back from 30-yards out and into his own net.

"Fraser got himself in no man's land and you think the curse is going to strike again," Lennon added.

"But I said to the players 'look, go out there and keep playing, keep committed, keep concentrated' and once we got a good delivery we scored from it which delights me.

"It's a testament to the team after the weekend. They come and show the quality. I'm very, very proud of them tonight."

Lennon also saved a praise goalscorer Ledley, who looped in a header in the second half to bring the scores level.

He said: "He's a terrific player and no matter where you ask him to play he does a great job for the team.

"He's gradually got better and better and he was marvellous tonight against really top class players.

"To get the goal was a bonus but his overall display was fantastic."

Goalscorer Ledley added: "I thought I did okay at left-back. It's not my strongest position but I'm happy to do it for the team and I'm just glad we put in a great team performance.

"We've got some great players here and it was a great performance by the boys."

The result leaves Celtic bottom of Group I on two points after three games.

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