SLOPPY ACCIES MISSED A TRICK

HAMILTON goalscorer Gramoz Kurtaj says the Accies disappointment at losing to Celtic is a sign of how far the Lanarkshire side have come. The German capitalised on poor defending from Dedryck Boyata to strike the opening goal in just four minutes. Despite pressing an inexperienced visiting defence hard in the opening half-hour, however, Accies boss Martin Canning bemoaned the loss of two ‘sloppy goals’ to the champions before half-time. ‘I look at the dressing room when we lose and we are disappointed — whether it’s Celtic or anyone else,’ said Kurtaj. ‘It’s not down to luck that we have 16 points, we deserve that and Celtic will tell you what quality we have. ‘We are disappointed not to at least get a draw. We scored the first goal and I felt we had to keep Celtic out until the second half, as they would have got nervous. ‘But they scored two and it was difficult for us. The game changed and we had to chase it. ‘It was a great chance to get a result but we have to move on. That’s life.’ The German’s disappointment was echoed by Canning, despite his side entering the international break in fourth position; a huge slap in the face to those who predicted a dogged relegation struggle. ‘I feel two things,’ he said. ‘Frustration, yet proud of the players given, we worked so hard. ‘The goals we conceded were sloppy. If Celtic rip you apart with quality play, you hold your hands up. But the goals we lost were disappointing.’

STEPHEN McGOWAN