NEIL Lennon hailed a landmark night for Celtic after a 3-1 win over Rennes saw the Parkhead club top their European group and record 10 wins in continental competition in a single season for the first time.
Goals from Lewis Morgan, selected up front in the absence of the injured Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie and Mikey Johnston meant the Scottish champions defeated their French rivals comfortably.
The Glasgow club are now four points clear of nearest rivals Cluj, who were beaten 1-0 by Lazio in Rome, in Group E with one game remaining and will be seeded in the last 32 Europa League draw next month.
They have also won on 10 occasions in Europe - against Sarajevo (twice), Nomme Kalju (twice), AIK (twice), Lazio (twice), Cluj and Rennes - in the 2019/20 campaign.
“There were some milestones to achieve tonight,” said Lennon. “We asked the players if they could go beyond 10 points for the first time, could they win the group, could they win 10 games in Europe in a season. They answered all those questions.
“I’m delighted for the players. They keep setting new milestones. They are a fantastic bunch and playing very well at the moment.
“I don’t know how much of an achievement it is topping the group. But it’s a landmark night for us because we have never done it before. It means we can maybe get a better draw in the last 32.
“What pleases me is the 100 per cent record at home. That sends out a great message. It was important to keep momentum going. If you lose that momentum, it’s hard to switch that flick on again."
Lennon added: “We have definitely improved results and performances. We have a long way to go in the competition. The last 32 is two or three months away and that’s a long time in football.
“We will see what kind of shape we are in then but I’m delighted with the maturity of the side. We wanted to make inroads in the competition and so far it’s mission accomplished.”
Lennon, whose side secured their place in the knockout rounds with their historic 2-1 win over Lazio in Italy three weeks ago, revealed his top scorer Edouard was ruled out before kick-off with a slight injury.
“He’s got a niggle so we didn’t want to take any chances," he said. "We’ll see how he is for the weekend.
"Lewis Morgan comes in and he’s a testament to being a really good professional. He goes out and plays brilliantly like that. We’re all really pleased for Lewis as we knew he could do it.
“We felt he would bring a little bit of pace as he’s a really fit lad and he’s getting stronger physically. He just needs to believe in himself a little bit more the way that we believe in him. As regards Odsonne, we’ll just need to take it day by day with him and see how he is.”
“He has got a niggle so we didn’t want to take any chances with him,” he said. “We will see how he is at the weekend.”
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