Matt O'Riley has NO Celtic title fear as defiant star declares 'we will respond' to Kilmarnock horror show

Gutted Matt O’Riley admitted Celtic were bullied as they crashed at Kilmarnock.

The champions suffered a first Premiership defeat of the season after a dreadful second-half display saw them ravaged at Rugby Park. O’Riley’s goal had Celtic ahead at half-time in Ayrshire, but they simply didn’t appear after the restart as Killie overpowered them to earn a win which backed up their Viaplay Cup success over Brendan Rodgers’ team in August. The Danish international gave a searingly honest assessment of the setback.

Rodgers says his team were guilty of failing to pass the ball properly as Killie launched their comeback bid and, when that was put to O’Riley, he stated: “Yes, I think there was an element of it. We started the game really well and could have put the game to bed in the first half. I had a chance which I should score in the second half as well and at that point you can kill the game off.

“But, irrespective of that, second-half, I think we kind of got bullied a bit as well just in terms of most duels they were winning. At the same time, I thought we were very sloppy on the ball and probably weren’t showing enough – what’s the word – courage just to want the ball, get on the ball and take responsibility.”

Asked if he was surprised Celtic had been dominated by Killie in such a manner, O’Riley continued: “Not if we play football that suits them. We went long a lot and they have big players who are good in the air.

“They like to fight for second balls, third balls and we played into their hands in the second half. I think, because of that, I’m not surprised the game went like it did in the second half.

“They just came out more aggressively in the second half and we weren’t as prepared as we should have been for that