Celtic boss Neil Lennon is supremely confident that his side will not be the easybeats of the Champions League this season.
The Scottish champions are preparing for their group stage opener at home against Benfica tonight and Lennon is adamant that his Hoops outfit will be very competitive in a group that also includes Barcelona and Spartak Moscow.
"We're here to compete, we're not here to be also-rans or to make up the numbers," he said.
"We might not get this opportunity for another wee while so we have to make the most of it.
"We want to create our own memories and our own legacy for the players here. We want them to be heroes. We've done very well to get here and now we want to compete - and compete well.
"I don't want us to be the whipping boys. I don't actually think we will be. I think we might surprise a few people.
"It's all very exciting now. I was in a bit of a mood after losing against St Johnstone but I don't want to dwell on that.
"The players are feeling it now and I'm excited for them. It's just fantastic for the supporters and the club to enjoy these type of games again."
