Hibs head coach Neil Lennon said he knows his team are facing a huge step up in quality against Asteras Tripolis but hopes to draw on his Celtic experience to help him prevail.

Lennon's team are looking to negotiate the next round of Europa League qualifying and go up against a side that finished fifth in the Greek league last season and have built up plenty of experience in the competition recently.

He said there was no questioning the quality of opposition but said that he would be looking to put them under pressure at Easter Road.

"We've watched them a lot and we know they've got a lot of pedigree in this tournament, having played in the group stages," Lennon said. "They've done it two or three times over the last four or five years.

"They're a good team and they finished the season very strongly, as we did. They've got a big squad and tactically they are very well set up. They're a smart team so it's a very difficult time for us.

"I would imagine [Asteras are favourites] because we have very little pedigree at this level. We had the two games against Brondby, which were excellent as a starting point from my point of view, in terms of taking the job on.

"I would say they have a lot more experience than us at this level. However, it's their first competitive game and any advantage we can take we should try and maximise.

"The onus is always on us at home so we'll try and take the game to them as much as we can. We need to be patient and not get emotional in the game. It's a different culture of football that the referee might see the game differently from British referees so it's important that they stay focused.

"We're very much looking forward to it. The players have earned the right to be here and we want to progress in the competition."

Lennon said he wasn't at all concerned by Celtic's pursuit of John McGinn as he prepares for the match and said he believes other teams could also make a move for the midfielder. While admitting the player may be affected by the bids, Lennon said it was his job to manage that.

The former Celtic boss, who led the Glasgow club to the group stages of the elite competition, said that he would draw on what he had learned to help him get through his latest tests.

"I think the experience does count," he said. "The Champions League qualifiers that Brendan is going through at the moment are really difficult to negotiate. I've done that a couple of times with Celtic and it's a great feeling.

"That experience hopefully will stand me in good stead when dealing with these players. It's all new to them. They've only really known Scottish football or British football and it's a different style and a different game.

"At home, the way we play, I'm hopeful we can be as positive as we can, but mindful of conceding because that could be damaging."