A first half goal from Morten Rasmussen sent FC Midtjylland through to the group stage of the Europa League at the expense of Southampton.
The former Celt netted in the first half to take the Danish side through on a 2-1 aggregate after a commendable 1-1 last week at St Mary’s.
Rasmussen joined Celtic in the disastrous January 2010 transfer window, scored on his debut as a substitute at Hamilton then saw his hopes halted by the arrival of Robbie Keane on loan.
When Neil Lennon took over from Tony Mowbay he brought in Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes with Rasmussen sent out on loan to Mainz 05, Aalborg and Turkish side Sivasspor.
Since signing for Midtjylland in 2012 Rasmussen has averaged a goal every second game and worked his way into the fringes of the Danish international side.
In contrast to the attitude of other English teams in the Europa League Southampton boss Ronald Koeman was disappointed to be knocked out and turned his anger on the officials from both matches.
“I have to say, and it’s critical to both referees in both games, if you analyse both games, we had more chances,” he said.
“We scored a normal goal last week and if you watch television and you see the free kick of Ward-Prowse – it’s a penalty. So easy. But if you don’t see it that still makes it more complex, more difficult.
“Then the final result, the final result of last week, is totally different (if the decisions are correct). Congratulations to Midtjylland. They play well, they play out of a good organisation and they scored today and we didn’t.
“It’s two mistakes. It’s one penalty and one goal and it’s a big influence on the result. It’s different reasons. One of the reason was the referee of today because it’s a penalty. Last week it’s a normal goal but we did a mistake and they scored a 1-1.
“Not all (blame) goes to the referee, that’s too easy, but a part of our disappointment and the final result is also by the referee.”
Midtjylland will be in pot four for today’s Europa League draw, Celtic will be in pot 2.
