Neil Lennon: Celtic are ready for 'awful' task of qualifying from Champions League play-offs

Brendan Rodgers' side have already negotiated two qualifying rounds, against Lincoln Red Imps and Astana, to reach the final two-legged tie before the group stages.

The Hoops welcome Israeli champions Be'er Sheva to Celtic Park tomorrow night before the return leg next Tuesday seals their fate.

Read more: Neil Cameron: Celtic supporters should be allowed to fly the Palestine flag but doing so is only going to hurt their club

Lennon oversaw some memorable European nights during his four seasons in charge of the Bhoys, including a win against Barcelona in 2012/13 when they reached the last 16. 

Ronny Deila fell at this stage in both of his two seasons in charge at Parkhead, but Lennon is confident his compatriot Rodgers has prepared the team well for what he describes as Celtic's 'biggest games of the season.'

Lennon told BBC Scotland: "I think Brendan knows what's at stake. It sets the whole season up brilliantly.

"I have spoken to him about it personally. I said, 'Look, these are your biggest games of the season'.

"The build-up is awful - it's just like a Celtic-Rangers game. But once the game's underway, it's great.

"They are awful to negotiate. You don't know who you're going to get, you don't know if the players are ready yet.

"I think the Celtic players are up to speed now, judging by the performances of late.

"Knowing you're going back in [to the group stage] and what it means to the club and all those big games to look forward to, it's special.

"They've got a tough draw. I've signed an Israeli goalkeeper [Ofir Marciano]. I asked him about Hapoel, he said, 'They're a very good side'.

"I think Celtic will need to take something from Glasgow to there to protect because I think they're a good side at home.

"Olympiacos - they've been regular last-16 campaigners over a number of years so if it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone."