“The intension was always to try and impose ourselves on the game. We did not want to sit back and wait for things to happen. We had to try and make things happen. I thought our approach to the game was good at the start.

“We had some strong performers during the opening period and played a lot of the game in Celtic’s final third. We were maybe guilty of not making more of the opportunities we had. We had a lot of corner kicks and free kicks going into the box.

“To then lose the first goal from a corner kick was disappointing. It was a combination of a few things which we should have done better with. It is also the third goal we have lost from a corner kick against Celtic this season so I am extremely disappointed with that.

“There was a slight adjustment with Jonny Hayes going off. That was a massive blow as he was very influential.

“We hoped for a response at the start of the second half and I thought we started fine. It sounds petty now because we have lost 4-0 but at 1-0 we should have had a penalty kick when the ball clearly hits Bitton’s hand.

“They then go up the park and get their penalty, which was a penalty. From 2-0, Celtic were in complete control of the game and took full advantage of our desperation to try and get back in it.

“Our over enthusiasm and lack of discipline in keeping our shape led to us being very untidy in our work and they exploited that because they are a good team. Celtic have got players who can test your discipline. In the wide areas we got sucked in and pulled out of position when trying too hard to win the ball back.

“Celtic punished our mistakes and lack of organisation.

“There is a lot to like about our team. I am not going to be too critical of my players. We are always looking to improve. I am looking for that improvement and the players are looking for that themselves. Sometimes to have to experience disappointment to get stronger. We have a young team with players who are still learning. There are things we can improve on. There are areas we must improve on to make the next step.

“We have taken a sore one today. Celtic deserved to win but I am not going to criticise my players. There is just an acceptance that we are not quite ready to take them on but there is a feeling we can improve and that is the target for any team.

“There is still a lot of points to play for and we will try and win as many games as we can between now and the end of the season and see where it takes us.”

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