What Neil Lennon told Celtic boss Ange about the Champions League as former manager reveals text to Postecoglou

Neil Lennon revealed he wished Ange Postecoglou all the best for Celtic's Champions League return – and reckons they can spring a shock on Real Madrid.

The Scottish Premiership champions take on the reigning kings of Europe on Tuesday night in the club's first group stage outing since 2017. And they could hardly have wished for a more glamorous tie, one Postecoglou insists they will rise to by going after Carlo Ancelotti's superstars.

Lennon, now manager at Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, masterminded one of Celtic 's all-time great European nights by beating Barcelona in 2012 and is thrilled the club are once again back on the biggest stage. He paid tribute to his successor in Postecoglou and says he text the Aussie coach ahead of Celtic's 4-0 derby win over Rangers, urging him to soak up every moment of the big occasions. Lennon told talkSPORT: "It's such a big night, the first time in a few years. Celtic really want to be at the top table and they are now again.

"It's the blue ribbon event and the big guns are coming back to town. With Rangers in the Champions League as well, I said a few weeks ago Glasgow will be rocking over the next few months.

"It's what the Scottish game needed. The clubs have done well over last few years in Europe but everybody wants the Champions League. It's a huge night for the players and obviously Ange Postecoglou as well. Off the back of a great win at the weekend and in a great vein of form, they'll be really looking forward to it. As will the supporters.

"The club and the team with the support are capable of beating any team on any given night. If they can catch Real Madrid cold, then it wouldn't surprise me if they got some sort of result. But's it's going to be very difficult as Real