Neil Lennon praises Celtic's defensive bedrock

Neil Lennon has said that Celtic's goalless draw with Elfsborg was down to the sturdiness of his back four.

The Bhoys secured their place in the playoff stages of Champions League qualifying, although they found it tough going on an artificial pitch in Sweden.

The Northern Irishman paid special praise to his defence, although he admitted after the game that English centre-back Kelvin Wilson has more than likely played his last game for the club.

"I felt we should have had the tie wrapped up after 20 minutes," Lennon told BBC Sport. "We only needed the one goal to burst the enthusiasm of Elfsborg.

"We became a bit scrappy but with a bit more quality we might have picked them off near the end. My back four were wonderful and we restricted Elfsborg to minimal chances.

"I am really pleased. It was a tough, tough night."

Kris Commons scored the only goal of the tie at Celtic Park last week.