Celtic’s Europa League defeat to FC Midtjylland was a sore one to take for Martin O’Neill’s side.
O’Neill’s return to Celtic brought with it an instant air of optimism as the returning legend managed to get a tune out of a team that was clearly lacking in confidence.
Whilst a league win over Falkirk and Celtic beating Rangers was a great start for O’Neill, the Europa League tie against Midtjylland posed an altogether different challenge for the Hoops boss.
And what a European baptism it was. Celtic were heavily beaten by Midtjylland in a night that will need to be forgotten about quickly.
But O’Neill gave his thoughts on the defeat as the interim Celtic boss suffered his first loss back in the Hoops dugout.
- READ MORE: Ex-SFA referees post footage of a ‘clear penalty’ for Celtic vs Rangers no one is talking about
Martin O’Neill declares Celtic ‘are not out of it’ after defeat to FC Midtjylland
Whilst qualification from the Europa League now looks increasingly difficult, O’Neill says that the Parkhead club are still in the competition.
O’Neill told Superscoreboard, “I suppose that we probably always thought this year that ten points would probably be enough [to qualify].
“We’re not out of it. That’s a big lesson for us tonight to know what it takes to be a really decent European team.
“Midtjylland have shown that and they have good experience in the side, they have really good players and they have that thing that is really necessary, physicality.”
Very bold from the Celtic boss and fans will be hoping that he can pick his players up after such a poor performance in Denmark.
Celtic’s next crucial Europa League tie after FC Midtjylland horror show
Celtic’s next fixture in the Europa League is now a must-win after the second defeat in the competition already this season.
Feyenoord awaits Celtic in Rotterdam and, if O’Neill is still the manager, he will know that is a game he must take all three points from if the Hoops are to keep their qualification from the league phase alive.
With just four points from 12, getting out of the league looks like an uphill task as the games are quickly running out for the Bhoys.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
