Neil Lennon praises Tom Rogic performance despite Celtic’s Europa League exit

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Celtic manager Neil Lennon will need to lift his players after they were knocked out of the Europa League on Thursday, but did give a positive mention to Tom Rogic for his performance.

The Bhoys failed to put their name into the hat for the Europa League last-16 draw, as they ended up losing out to Danish opposition Copenhagen after a crushing defeat.

After earning a 1-1 away draw in Denmark last week, the Scottish champions were considered favourites to progress at Parkhead in the second meeting.

But Copenhagen stunned Celtic to win 3-1 on the night, as they scored two quick-fire late goals to snatch the tie.

Celtic failed to make the most of their brilliant chances over the two legs in attack and were denied by in-form goalkeeper Karl-Johan Johnsson on several occasions.

Lennon did praise Rogic post-match despite the disappointment of a European exit.

“First-half we were in control. Rogic played very well so going forward we were fine,” Lennon told BT Sport.

TBR’s View:

Rogic was thrown into the side for his first European start of the season and looked a threat going forward at times, as he linked up well with teammates.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder was unable to find the final ball and the same could be said about a number of players in a Celtic shirt.

He did lose possession in the build-up to Copenhagen’s decisive second goal and perhaps Lennon has shown his man-management skills by giving him a special shootout after the game to lift his confidence.