Neil Lennon has insisted that he is relishing the chance to examine Celtic's Champions League credentials against Spartak Moscow on Tuesday.

The Hoops will take on Spartak hoping to build on impressive away performances in the tournament's qualifying stages.

While Lennon has admitted that a trip to Spartak is a step up in quality, he believes that the pressure is off the Scottish champions.

He told reporters at the pre-match press conference: "We know it's going to be very tough. Spartak are an excellent side with an excellent coach. Going forward, they have players who are very quick, strong and skilful. They are very rigid in the way they play.


"But we are coming into the game in good form. Our away form in Europe has been pretty good recently, but this is a real step-up for us in terms of class and competition.


"Now the expectation is less than it would have been. Our performance at the weekend was probably our best of the season so if we can build on that going into this game, who knows where it can take us.
"

Lennon's side sit third in a hotly-contested Group G thanks to a hard-fought draw against Benfica in their opening game.