FORMER Celtic goal hero John Hartson branded the his old club’s missed opportunities in the Champions League as “ridiculous”.
The striking legend watched the Hoops misfire again as they drew 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk to not only exit the Champions League, but also miss out on the consolation of the Europa League after the turn of the year.
So, the great European excursion among the elite has ended with a game against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu a week today still to be played.
Unfortunately, it will be a mere formality to fulfil the fixture with only pride – and not points – at stake.
The record books will show Ange Postecoglou’s team claimed three strikes – and, amazingly, one of them was an own goal.
ONE…Artem Bondarenko touches a Reo Hatate angle drive into his own net for Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw.
TWO…Filipe Jota slots the ball beyond the RB Leipzig keeper in the Hoops’ 3-1 loss in Germany.
THREE…Giorgos Giakoumakis pounces to fire in the opening goal against the Ukrainians in last night’s 1-1 draw.
Filipe Jota was on target in the 3-1 loss to RB Leipzig in Germany and Giorgos Giakoumakis netted his first-ever goal at this level against the Ukrainians last night.
Defender Artem Bondarenko was credited by UEFA as getting the last touch to Reo Hatate’s angled drive in the 1-1 draw with Shakhtar in Warsaw.
Hartson said: “We keep creating opportunities and I can’t think ever of Celtic creating so many opportunities and not putting 10 per cent of them away.
“If you go through the numbers, they are ridiculous in terms of how many efforts on goal we’ve had.
“Sixty-eight attempts on goal and we’ve scored three goals!”
The Welsh icon, speaking to BT Sport, added: “It looks like we are miles away in terms of the league and the situation that we are in with two draws from five games, but I don’t think we really are.
“We started here brilliantly against Real Madrid. It’s just finer details and that little bit of luck. Tonight, Giakoumakis’ goal.
“I can’t keep going on about luck all the time. Ange will keep trying to improve. We’re decimated with injuries, as well – three of our best players are out, Starfelt, Jota and McGregor.”
Celtic will have to regroup and go again when they face Livingston on their dreaded plastic pitch in West Lothian in the High Noon showdown on Sunday.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY AS EURO DREAM DIES
