Alastair Johnston remains upbeat after Lazio defeat

Alistair Johnston believes Celtic can still reach the Champions League knockout rounds and thinks being more clinical could make them ‘a top team’.

The Scottish champions suffered heartache as Pedro’s injury time goal gave Lazio a 2-1 win at Celtic Park and ensured that Brendan Rodgers’ side sit at the bottom of their group after two games.

Celtic had taken the lead against the Serie A side, and thought they had gone ahead late on when Luis Palma scored only to have an offside call chop the goal off.

Johnston admitted there is no room for error, with Wednesday’s defeat following the opening day loss to Feyenoord. Back-to-back games against group favourites Atletico come next but the Canadian remains optimistic.

“Our mind is still on getting out of this group,” he said. “I still think there’s a chance, but at the same time, this next match becomes all the more important.