Grayson defends ‘fatigued’ Kone after friendly humbling
The Ivorian’s poor touch allowed Callum McGregor to open the scoring for the visitors, before he was pulled out of position for the slick second goal which followed shortly after.
Kone was substituted early in the second half.
Grayson said: “He wasn’t in the best physical condition – he was feeling fatigued at half-time. Fair play to him, last week 85 minutes and 90 on Wednesday so (Saturday) was maybe too much of a game for him, the number of minutes he’s had.
“He was one of a few players who struggled out there, so you can’t blame Lamine for the result.”
Grayson added that summer signing James Vaughan, who had a penalty saved by De Vries and has now failed with two spot-kicks in pre-season, would ‘probably not’ be given the duties for the upcoming campaign.
The former Bury and Everton forward, who was determined to take the penalty despite interest from debutant Lewis Grabban, saw his effort well saved, then had the follow-up blocked.
Saturday’s reverse saw Sunderland endure their worst ever defeat at the Stadium of Light, in the match to celebrate 20 years of the ground.
The Black Cats had not previously conceded more than four goals at the stadium, but Celtic eased to victory and could have won by a bigger margin.
TheGlasgowclub’striumph –inSimonGrayson’shomebow as manager – was a repeat of their 5-0 win at Roker Park in 1965, the first home match of Ian McColl’s reign.