How do you put into words tonight’s result and performance?
Very disappointing. If you start an Old Firm game like this... It seemed like it was the first Old Firm we played. We know what the Old Firm will bring and what you have to do, the environment and the ambience, the pressure but it seemed like we weren’t ready for it.
The way we gave the goals away, it's just sharpness. Not going with your man, not being ready for the battles. It was an unbelievable first half, our Old Firm game started in the second half. We were much better, much more aggressive and we played the second half really well but in the first half we gave the game away.
How big a surprise was that and is it a bit of a worry?
It wasn’t something I expected when I saw the training and focus we had before the game. But when the whistle blew we were just waiting for the goal to be scored and, for me, that’s impossible. We were too naïve and we deserved to be 3-0 down with the way we played.
The players were unhappy at the first goal, some felt the game should’ve been stopped because of a head knock, what was your thoughts on that?
It’s a decision for the ref to stop the game. We still had the corner to defend, the ball goes out and we have to defend the ball. You don’t stop when the ref doesn’t whistle so, for me, that’s something that’s unbelievable to see.
Where do you go from here? Have there been robust discussions with the team?
We have an honest conversation in the locker room after the game. It didn’t go the way we wanted especially the first half, the second half was much better but it’s always difficult, these kinds of games. All we have to do is stick together and make sure we look forward and be ready on Sunday against Hearts.
It’s a very tough environment to come to but we’re not the first Rangers team to lose. I lost very big here when I was a player but we became champions that year so, of course, we want to win this game but these games don’t decide a championship. We still have many games to play and we have to be ready.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here