Celtic beaten by Ferencvaros in Europa League opener as questions grow over O'Neill

Celtic were beaten by Ferencvaros in their Europa League opener on Thursday, adding three more goals to a troubled week that began with a heavy defeat at Ibrox on Sunday.

The result deepened concerns about a dip in form that has seen Celtic concede five goals against LASK and suffer a damaging Old Firm loss at Ibrox, with supporters audible in their frustration and the mood described as low and unconvincing.

On the night against Ferencvaros Celtic displayed what the report called absent-minded play in midfield, loose defending and a lack of accuracy on the ball; the side produced hopeful long-range efforts rather than sustained, cohesive pressing or speed.

Celtic had 62.5% possession in the opening half but still trailed 2-1; Camilo Duran, used through the middle ahead of Kasper Hogh, recorded eight touches in that period and was judged to have offered little influence.

Kasper Hogh, the player the club paid £11m for, has now scored in just one of his eight games as a Celtic player and was described as looking like an awkward centre-forward with a poor first touch and few chances to feed on.

The goal conceded just before the break was attributed to hesitancy to fight for the loose ball, weakness in trying to prevent the cross and defensive disorganisation, and the match featured a counter-attack finished by Daniel Arzani after Colby Donovan had over-committed to attack; Arzani whipped his shot into the top corner.

Martin O'Neill spoke afterwards about frustration, failure and psychological damage, saying he would "get ourselves together" for Rangers on Sunday; his tone was described as flat and a touch tired and he outlined the team's deficiencies without sounding as if he had immediate solutions.

Callum McGregor says the team is "a little bit broken at the moment." Sunday will tell us much about the way of things between the Glasgow giants.