Celtic boss Neil Lennon hopeful of new signings

Celtic boss Neil Lennon says he is very hopeful that new signings will be announced in time for their Europa League qualifier later this week. The Hoops take on Swedish side AIK in the second leg of their qualifier on Thursday and, with his side leading 2-0 after the home leg, Lennon says he is looking to bring new additions into the club before the weekend.

After beating Hearts 3-1 on Saturday, Lennon said: “We need players in two or three positions. Hopefully we can get some quality bodies in on Monday or Tuesday. “If we do, I would like to take them to Sweden with us to integrate them with the group if they have an opportunity to play next weekend.”

He has already brought in Christopher Jullien, Boli Bolingoli, Hatem Abd Elhamed, Jonathan Afolabi and Luca Connell this summer, with keeper Fraser Forster also joining on loan from Southampton. It is the start of a big week for the treble treble winners.

On Thursday they take on AIK with the aim of getting through to the group stages of the Europa League. Then on Sunday, they face Rangers in the first Old Firm game of the new campaign. Both sides have maximum points after three matches, Celtic leading the table on goal difference and Lennon is pleased with their form going into the next two crucial games.

He said of the prospect of victory in Sweden on Thursday: “It’s been a great start to the season and we did score three goals in the one game we lost. “It was a head-scratcher, but we can’t dwell on it. We need to make sure we proceed with the way we are going and take that level of performance into Thursday.

“If we get into the group stage, then the whole season opens up for us again.” Celtic are 2.30 to win on Thursday night with AIK 3.00 and the draw is 3.25. Lennon’s side are 67.00 to win the Europa League with Manchester United 5.50.