James Forrest says Celtic stars must pick themselves up and move on after Europa League exit

James Forrest said Celtic’s Copenhagen shock was even more painful than the calamitous loss to Cluj back in August.

Then, the Hoops conceded four times to the Romanians at Celtic Park to lose 4-3 on the night, 5-4 on aggregate, and crash out of the Champions League.

“It is worse because we knew after Cluj we still had another game to make sure we were still in Europe,” said the winger.

“We knew in the Europa League you still get big ties. Which, of course, we did, landing with Lazio, Rennes and Cluj (again) in the group.

“To get through that, finish on top of the table, and then to go out like this is worse. We are all gutted for the fans.

“This season’s European campaign has been so positive with so many good results and performances.

“Because of that, I think all the boys felt confident going in the return against Copenhagen.

“We created quite a few chances against them and did so again at Celtic Park. But we couldn’t get it done.

“Everyone is gutted. But we need to pick ourselves up because we still have a lot to play for this season.”

Starting with this afternoon’s Scottish Cup clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, a match that Celtic supporters will now be viewing with a feeling of trepidation.

“We know it’s another big game, the quarter-final of the Cup, and one that we need to make sure we turn up for, because we know what they can do when they play well,” said Forrest.

“They drew 2-2 with Rangers just last Sunday to earn themselves a point, so that will be in the back of our minds.

“But we have been on an unbelievable run in the domestic cups over the last few years – and none of the boys or the staff want it to stop this weekend.

“We all are determined to make sure we go to Hampden again this season.

“To do that we have to lift ourselves right away.”