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Celtic firing blanks

Image: Celtic: A point gained or two points lost?

John Collins believes Celtic's lack of firepower cost them an opening Champions League victory.

Lennon should be happy with a point, says Collins

John Collins believes Celtic's lack of firepower up front cost them the chance of an opening Champions League victory over Benfica last night. Celtic were held to a 0-0 draw by the Portuguese side at Celtic Park with chances for both sides few and far between. Match report. With striker Georgios Samaras and Anthony Stokes injured, and Gary Hooper restricted to a substitute appearance, Miku lead the line for Celtic. And Collins, who praised the "immense" influence of central midfielders Scott Brown and Victor Wanyama in breaking up their opposition's play, admitted Celtic lacked a cutting edge in the final third. "When you are manager at this level you want all your top players available. Neil Lennon had three strikers out," he told Sky Sports. Watch the match with Sky Go. "I thought Miku did ok, he held onto the ball, he worked hard but when you are playing against top teams you need your top players on the park. "Celtic never had it at the top end of the pitch and that is where they lacked the cutting edge. That is where you win games but the important thing is that they never lost the game. "I think it is a good point but obviously Neil will be disappointed and the fans will be disappointed that they didn't get the three points at home. But it is a point on the board."

Committed

The former Celtic and Scotland midfielder believes manager Lennon will be satisfied with his side's performance, especially in countering Benfica's passing game, despite not gaining the victory. "They will be disappointed that they did not create more chances at home. They were up against a very good football team as well, you have to remember that," he said. "They have some very good technical players, are quick on the break and I think Neil Lennon and his coaching team will be happy with their performance. "They could have won the game, they could have lost the game but overall his players gave him absolutely everything."

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