Chris Sutton praises Celtic after Rennes draw

By Dom Toner

Chris Sutton praised Celtic after they earned a 1-1 draw away to French side Rennes on Thursday.

The Bhoys travelled to a team that sit second in Ligue 1 this season and have a number of talented players.

But Neil Lennon’s side more than stood their own against them and an away point is a great way to start the Europa League group;.

M’Baye Niang put hosts Rennes in front during the first-half from the penalty spot, but Ryan Christie scored a penalty for the visitors in the second-half.

The Scottish champions saw substitute Vakoun Issouf Bayo sent off in stoppage time for a second booking, but overall it was a brilliant away performance in Europe.

Pundit Sutton was thrilled with Celtic’s efforts against Rennes, especially with French defender Christopher Jullien.

The 26-year-old centre-back was rock solid at the back and showed his composure on a big night.

“Mature performance from Neil Lennon’s Celtic. Ridiculous decision not to award Celtic another penalty… 1-1… Celtic hard done by. Jullien commanding at the back once again. Christie big balls from the spot. Good performance all round,” Sutton wrote on his personal Twitter account.

(Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)

TBR’s View:

Celtic’s Europa League group is wide open, with CFR Cluj beating Lazio in the other Group E fixture on Thursday.

But Lennon’s team can consider themselves in a strong position after earning a point on the road and they should be confident that they can do the business in their home matches at Parkhead.

The Bhoys can certainly create a brilliant atmosphere on a European night at home, but it must have thrilled supporters that they didn’t look out of their depth away from home.

Celtic in the past have found it difficult on their travels, but that wasn’t the case against Rennes and on another night may have earned all three points.

Jullien was a colossus at the back that looks a quality summer addition, while they looked threatening going forward too with pace and skill.