NEIL LENNON is confident his side can mix it with the best – in every sense.

So, if Atletico Madrid want to get physical in tonight's crunch Europa League tie at Parkhead, the Celtic boss believes his players will be ready to fight their corner.

Gregorio Manzana's side was criticised by Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho for their tough- tackling approach to last weekend's derby, which left striker Cristiano Ronaldo with an ankle injury.

Two Atletico players were red- carded – keeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Diego Godin – while another five were yellow-carded.

Manzana has rejected the accusation his team – who had three players sent off when they played at Parkhead in 1974 – are hatchet men, and said: "We're known to be a physical team, as are Celtic. That doesn't mean we're dirty."

But, while Lennon respects Atletico's ability, he knows they have it in their locker to make it a physical battle.

The Hoops boss said: "They are tough, particularly at the back where they have guys like Luis Perea and Godin. There were a few meaty challenges in the first game in Spain.

"I would not expect their approach to be light-hearted, let's put it that way."

Lennon added: "I believe we have a really good crop of players who are exciting to watch, and they can mix it a little bit now as well.

"But they are going to have to show all that tonight."

With Beram Kayal one booking away from a suspension which would rule him out of the final group game against Udinese on December 15, Lennon will remind the combative midfielder and his team-mates of the importance of keeping their cool.

And he hopes what is served up to the 30,000 fans who have bought tickets, and the massive TV audience tuning into this 6pm kick-off, is a classic European encounter.

He said: "Atletico are a class side, and played very well against us in Madrid. It's a game that really whets the appetite. There will be plenty of good football because we are two good footballing teams.

"We have to be wary, obviously, of conceding early, as we have done in a few other games, and try to take the game to them.

"But we are under no illusions, it's going to be a real test for us."

With £30million striker Radamel Falcao desperate to play some part after battling back from a groin injury, the attacking threat of Atletico will be as potent as it was in Madrid, when the Colombian and Diego scored to give the Spaniards a 2-0 win.

Lennon will decide this morning if Scott Brown and Kelvin Wilson are ready to return after lengthy injury lay-offs, but both look set to be held back until the Hoops head to Tannadice on SPL duty on Sunday.