DISAPPOINTED Callum McGregor admitted Celtic threw away two points following their slack 15-minute performance after the restart against Aberdeen at Parkhead.
However, the Hoops captain reckoned the team had done enough overall to warrant a victory over stubborn rivals who took their opponents by surprise with a whirlwind, up-and-at-’em attitude after the interval.
The hosts led 2-0 at half-time after strikes from Japanese double-act Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi, but Ester Skoler kicked off the Dons’ fightback by exposing Liam Scales’ deficiencies five minutes after the turnaround.
NUMBER ONE…Reo Hatate is about to be congratulated by Alex Valle after putting Celtic ahead.
The Republic of Ireland international defender failed to cut out a through pass from Jamie McGrath and his opponent simply raced away before sliding the ball wide of the unprotected Kasper Schmeichel.
Ten minutes later, it was all-square when a Graeme Shinnie drive was deflected into his own net by Auston Trusty.
McGregor said: “I think we did enough to win the game, especially in the last 15 minutes.
“We created enough big chances in terms of the spaces that we try and get in to.
“The big thing for us is that the manner which we started the second-half was slack and at that point, you’re in total control. We’re 2-0 up and have dominated the game.
“But they came out and changed it a little bit and get more of a threat at the top end of the pitch.
“I thought there was enough in the first-half and the last 20 minutes, in all probability, we should have won that game.
“But we have to be disappointed with the outcome and the period of the game where we ultimately lost the lead.”
NUMBER TWO…Kyogo Furuhashi proves he packs a punch after doubling Celtic’s advantage.
The Hoops now face the daunting trip to Bergamo to face Europa League winners Atalanta on matchday three of the Champions League on Wednesday.
Brendan Rodgers’ men have already had a rollercoaster ride in Europe’s most prestigious competition with a 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava at Parkhead and a 7-1 hammering from Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion.
McGregor, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “We have to dust ourselves down and we have a big game during the week.
“It’s disappointing in terms of not taking three points, but in the grand scheme of things, where we are is fine and we’ll get the points back.
“Our focus now changes to Wednesday.”