Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has one foot in the Europa League group stages with new side Omonia Nicosia after a brilliant away win at Belgian outfit KAA Gent.
The ex-Hoops boss made the move to Cyprus earlier this year and landed domestic silverware with his new club and with that secured a crack at European football. They were handed a tough draw but after the first 90 minutes, they have made a huge stride towards securing a spot in the tournament proper after a two-nil win on the road.
And the former Celtic gaffer had an ex- Rangers star to thank for the second goal on the night to put his team in a commanding position. Summer recruit Brandon Barker - who played under Lenny at Hibs - fired home with less than 15 minutes to play to double Omonia's advantage after Charalambos Charalambous had fired the away side into the lead.
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Gent are yet to taste defeat in their domestic league with two wins and two draws this season while Omonia are yet to get their domestic season up and running. However, they could be handed a major boost going into the season with Europa League football within their grasp ahead of next week's return in Cyprus.
Robbie Neilson and Hearts will be hoping to join Lennon and Co in the hat come the close of play on Thursday night with the Jambos well in their tie after a 2-1 defeat on the road to Swiss champions FC Zurich.
Lawrence Shankland netted from the spot for the Tynecastle side before a quick-fire double from the home side turned the match on its head. But with the tie finely poised at 2-1 ahead of next week, it is set to be a special occasion in the capital.
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