There is no doubt yesterday’s defeat at Livingston was a sore one to take.
After Thursday night, witnessing the team take apart a top La Liga side, watching them struggle to break down a bottom of the league outfit from Scotland is a hard watch, and a frustrating one.
The fans played their part on Sunday at the Tony Macaroni stadium. The players, however, did not.
And Hoops ‘keeper Joe Hart recognised that as he paid tribute to the magnificent Celtic support after what he witnessed from them yesterday.
Speaking to the press after the defeat, Hart said, “It’s the start of the season, but we can’t really afford too many more of these — if any.
“But we’re all pulling in the same direction and believe that will work for us.
“It’s a tough one to take because we’re all trying to do something for this club.
“We had three-quarters of the stadium today for an away game — and I’ve never seen that before in my life.
“The support has shown up today and we didn’t quite bring what they brought to the table.
“It’s a great occasion to play in, and this is a huge club to play for.
“You can ask for time but we have rocked up for an away game with three-quarters of the support so there are really plenty of things in our favour.
“I’m not saying we’re a work in progress — you haven’t heard that from me.
“I’m saying we’re here to try and win for Celtic, for each other, for the manager and for the fans.”
Hart will need to get used to that sort of backing from the fans and I think it’s just dawning on him that this is REAL football, with REAL fans with REAL expectations.
As the club look to the next match against Raith Rovers in the cup to move forward, a sell out crowd awaits them on Thursday night.
There can be no more slip ups.