“4-1 is not a reflection of the game.

“It is not a reflection on the performance. I thought we played really well. A couple of decisions went against us, we did not get the rub of the green. It was very very disappointing to walk off the field with that scoreline.

“We know what Celtic are about. We know they are a good side with good players. We were well prepared as always for the game. They like to move the ball about and try and get into the pockets. You need to try and keep your concentration and your discipline and keep you shape. You have to try and keep a gap between their midfielders and their strikers.

“Although they had a lot of the ball I actually thought we contained them in the early stages. They did not really hurt us until the goal. We limited them to long shots but they have players who can strike a ball.

“We then managed to get ourselves back into the game so it was very disappointing to go into the interval a goal down again. Especially as had a very good spell after our goal.

“At half time the manager just told us to keep our discipline and keep compact and we would get chances which we did but we did not capitalise on them.

“I thought we played really well second half. We put them under pressure and at times they were kicking the ball out of the park because of that pressure. We put in a really good performance in the second half and put in a lot of hard work.

“We certainly contained them until the last five minutes.

“I have not seen the penalty incident back yet but at the time I thought it was harsh. When I turned round he was stumbling already.

“Despite the defeat there were positives we can take. There is still a long way to go and I think we can look forward to the season.  

“The new players will only keep getting better. They are all good lads off the pitch and have settled into the dressing room. On the pitch Joe has done well. Anthony has again showed today that he is one of those players who can do a job in a number of positions and that is a great thing to have in the squad. It allows you to change formations on the field.

“I thought Wes Burns played really well. He showed what type of player he is. He is full of pace and power. When he picks the ball up with space to run into he is very difficult to stop.

“The illness during the week did not help our preparations but you just have to deal with these things. We still managed to get enough work done on the training field.

“It is never nice going into the international break after a defeat, especially with the way the game went. But the break will allow us to freshen up the minds. We will have a few days off then come back raring to go.

“September is going to be a busy month and an important one for us.”