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Celtic’s Neil Lennon plans open approach against Udinese[/b]
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Celtic manager Neil Lennon is planning to adopt an attack-minded approach to Thursday’s Europa League match against Udinese.
The Glasgow side must win their final group game in Italy in order to progress to the knock-out stages.
“I think we can set up to be a bit more adventurous with our own approach,” Lennon told the Celtic website.
“The pressure is off and the players can go and hopefully express themselves and do the club justice.”
Celtic are vying with Udinese to join Atletico Madrid in the next round, although all results from Group I will be subject to the outcome of a Sport of Arbitration for Sport ruling on Sion’s appeal to be reinstated in the competition.
Victory for Celtic in Italy - where they have never won before - would mean they would leapfrog Udinese by virtue of their head-to-head meetings, given their previous meeting in Glasgow ended in a 1-1 draw.
Lennon’s team are on a good run of form in the Scottish Premier League, winning their last six games.
However, the Celtic manager knows that the Italian outfit will likely prove a sterner test.
“We have to be very respectful of the opposition,” said Lennon, who picked out Samir Handanovic as the star man for the second-placed side in Serie A.
"They are very strong in midfield. They have great strength, athleticism and quality - and counter-attack very quickly.
"Added to that, they have a brilliant goalkeeper. I think he is one of the best in the world.
"I remember him from the last World Cup for Slovenia.
"He was fantastic and he pulled off three or four unbelievable saves here in the home game.
"He gives a great foundation for them to build on. And, with people like Antonio Di Natale in the team, there’s always a goal threat at the other end.
“They are very well-organised but skilful into the bargain.”
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