CALLUM McGREGOR sifted through the wreckage of an embarrassing Europa League loss and remained defiant.
Following the largely one-sided thumping from VfB Stuttgart in front of the club’s own fans at Parkhead, the Celtic captain said: “We have to keep going and we have to keep fighting.
“There’s still so many big games. This won’t define our season. We’ve got a big focus now on Sunday and then when we go to Germany next week, we’ve got to try and claw some pride back.
“It’s a difficult night, but come Sunday against Hibs we have to be ready.”
PAIN GAME…Callum McGregor after defeat.
The Edinburgh side provide the opposition in a Premiership encounter where the champions know only three points will be acceptable in their bid for a fifth successive title.
As it stands, Martin O’Neill’s side are three points behind leaders Hearts with a game in hand. Derek McInnes’ men take on Falkirk at Tynecastle 24 hours earlier.
The Easter Road fought out a goalless draw the last time they played in the east end of Glasgow in September when Brendan Rodgers was in charge, but the Hoops, with O’Neill in his first spell as interim boss, won 2-1 in the capital two months later.
The spotlight will be on 39-year-old Danish legend Kasper Schmeichel with the keeper to blame for two of the Bundesliga side’s four goals last night.
However, McGregor came to the defence of his beleaguered team-mate and, speaking to TNT Sports, continued: “Everyone makes mistakes, everyone has off nights.
PAIN GAME…Kasper Schmeichel is about to concede No.3 to Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling.
“Kasper has been amazing since he has come to the club, a really big part of our success, and a big player in the dressing room for us.
“He has made so many big saves for us and he will bounce back for sure.”
Reflecting on the times the Bundesliga struck – with the opening goal coming in 15 minutes – the influential midfielder added: “I think they scored at good times.
“It actually kills any momentum that we are getting in the game.
“The third goal is the one that kills us.”
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