NEIL LENNON is banking on Euro hero Georgios Samaras and the rejuvenated Anthony Stokes to make sure Fraser Forster isn't the only busy keeper at Parkhead tonight.

Barcelona's No.1, Victor Valdes, kept a clean sheet in his club's opening day 4-0 demolition of Ajax.

But that scoreline told only half the story as the Barca shot stopper had to make seven saves, including one from a penalty by Celtic target, Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.

In the 16-match day one games, only Copenhagen's Johan Wiland, who made 10 stops against Juventus, was busier.

Lennon reckons the quality of the Barcelona keeper can often be overlooked as all the focus is on the attacking midfielders and superstar strikers.

But, with Stokes recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad, and having rewarded Lennon's faith in him as a starter with a good performance in the San Siro last month, Lennon knows he is desperate to make up for missing out on all the Group Stage and Last 16 action last season.

Samaras was the top scorer in that run, and the Greek international is expected to provide heavy support for the man leading the line.

Lennon said of Sami: "The games inspire him. He likes the challenge of playing against quality opposition.

"It floats his boat, and he has really been very consistent for the last 18 months to two years, which is something that probably couldn't have been labelled at him before.

"He is maturing. He's in his late twenties now and one of the leaders of the team.

"If we are to get something out of the game, we will need all of his capabilities, his height, physical presence and running power."

All of which was on show to great effect at Kilmarnock on Saturday when Samaras warmed up for tonight's task by rattling in a hat-trick.

However, it is under the lights on big European nights that Lennon believes he really shines.

And, the further the Hoops get into tonight's game, the more of a threat the manager reckons he can become.

"The longer the game goes on, the stronger he seems to get," said Lennon.

"He's an incredible athlete at times, when he puts his mind to it."

Samaras claimed Celtic's opener in the Nou Camp last season, but was content to play a major supporting role in the sensational victory over Barca a few weeks later.

The Hoops boss is sure Barca will be wary of the threat Samaras carries and that could open the door for Stokes to finally get off the mark in Europe for the season.

"Athony is playing well," added Lennon.

"Whether he starts tonight, we haven't made that decision yet.

"If he doesn't, he will have a part to play as the game wears on."