Celtic 'missed opportunity' claim branded 'harsh' by ex Hoops boss as pundits cast verdict on Zagreb stalemate
Celtic stretched their unbeaten Champions League run to four matches after securing a point in the Croatian capital
Neil Lennon reckons Celtic’s goalless draw against Dinamo Zagreb was a well-earned point gained rather than a “missed opportunity”.
The Hoops left the Croatian capital with their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockouts still very much alive and kicking after both sides cancelled each other out.
A share of the spoils moved Celtic up one spot to 19th place in the 36-team table with a home clash against basement side Young Boys up next for Brendan Rodgers’ men.
And former Parkhead boss Lennon - on punditry duty for TNT Sports - labelled claims that his old club missed a golden chance to emerge with all three points as “harsh” after failing to turn their dominance into goals.
“Missed opportunity is a bit harsh,” he stated. “It's a point away from home. Celtic weren't at their best but they were comfortable. Young Boys to come at home. They are learning as they go on, it's not easy away from home.”
Lennon’s ex-Hoops team mate Johan Mjallby was similarly in agreement as he opted to focus on the positives, adding: “Two clean sheets in a row away from home. Celtic really controlled the game. Maybe if they had moved the ball a bit quicker, they might have opened up Zagreb a wee bit more.”
Legendary former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner believes Rodgers’ side lacked rhythm and fluency to their play, but has suggested a victory over Swiss champions Young Boys and another positive performance against Aston Villa to round off their campaign would showcase huge signs of improvement in Europe.
He admitted: “If they can beat Young Boys then go down to Birmingham (to face Aston Villa) and put on a wee bit of a show, don't get turned over badly, I think they've done remarkably well.
“In the end, I was delighted with a draw because Dinamo looked dangerous, especially that header at the back post. It was a good save from Schmeichel, one you'd expect him to make, but if it was either side of him I think he would have been in danger.
“I didn't think Celtic played well in the second half, the rhythm was missing, the fluency was missing a little bit, there was too much hesitation at times and they were getting caught on the ball. It allowed Zagreb to counter-attack and every time they did they looked to be in a situation where they could create something.”