Lennon not concerned over surface

Neil Lennon played down the possible impact the Luzhniki Stadium's artificial surface might have on Celtic's chances in tonight's Champions League Group G clash with Spartak Moscow.

Only skipper Scott Brown remains from the Parkhead team which drew 1-1 at the venue against the Russian side in a Champions League play-off match in 2007. In August, Lennon's charges beat HJK Helsinki 2-0 on plastic in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier to go through 4-1 on aggregate and the Hoops boss believes that will have encouraged his players.

However, he also admits his tactics and personnel tonight may depend on exactly how the surface is playing, and he said: "I don't think that (pitch) is going to be a problem. We played on one in Helsinki and that experience will benefit us going into the game."

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