‘Good signs’ as Celtic come up short against Milan

Neil Lennon was encouraged despite Celtic suffering a 3-1 defeat by AC Milan in their Europa League Group H opener at Parkhead.

Goals from Rade Krunic and Brahim Diaz gave the Serie A side a comfortable interval lead but Lennon reverted to a back four at the start of the second half and the hosts took control.

Mohamed Elyounoussi reduced the deficit with a header from fellow secondhalf substitute Ryan Chris tie’ s 76 th-minute corner but Milan substitute Jens Petter Hauge clinched the win with a counterattack goal in added time.

It was the second successive defeat after the Old Firm defeat by Rangers at the weekend but the Celtic boss looked for positives.

“I’m disappointed we lost,” said Lennon.

“I thought we deserved something from the game. We were very good in the second half, a lot better, better play, better body language but we lacked a cutting edge.

“We got into good areas in the first half but the final ball needs to be better at this level, we gave away two soft goals.

“But we made changes at half- time and we played better in the second half.

“It was markedly better than the weekend. It was encouraging. I don’t like losing but there were a lot of good signs for me.

“I wanted an improvement and we got a big improvement. Part of me is quite pleased with that.

“We could have shied away from it all after the criticism we have taken and I have taken but they showed their personality in the second half.”

Lennon admitted he was concerned about the goals his side conceded.

The former Celtic captain said: “Yes, the two goals are definitely avoidable, especially the first one.”

IN VAIN: Celtic sub Mohamed Elyounoussi pulls a goal back.