A highly youthful Celtic side lost 4-1 to Aberdeen in the Development League at Cappielow.
With Robbie Deas, Ewan Henderson and Kerr McInroy preparing with the first team for the match with Zenit on Thursday Tommy McIntyre had to delve deep into the Academy to put together a side with just four substitutes listed.
Aberdeen had control of most of the match but the hoops had their chances in the first half after Regan Hendry cancelled a third minute goal from Seb Ross.
The first 45 minutes was very much a half of two half’s with Aberdeen starring strongly before Celtic took control.
The visitors were quickly in front when a move down the Celtic right resulted in a low cross into the Celtic box which Seb Ross dispatched past Ryan Mullan from eight yards out.
With Paul Kennedy and Grant Savoury both starting in midfield Celtic struggled to get into the match and were grateful to Mullan for a full length save in the 20th minute.
That seemed to inspire Celtic with Jack Aitchison having two chances in quick succession, the first blocked by Dons keeper Archie Mair in a one-on-one with a defender blocking an effort from the striker shortly afterwards when Daniel Church sent a low cross towards the front post.
Celtic were pressing Aberdeen further and further back and deservedly levelled the scores nine minutes from the interval.
Lewis Bell sent a great ball behind the Dons defence for Broque Watson to chase. When his cut back fell to Aitchison his shot was blocked but with the Dons failing to clear their lines Hendry curled a great 15 yard shot across goal and into the non postage stamp corner.
Celtic finished the first half in control of the game but found themselves a goal behind in the 47th minute when Bruce Anderson evaded two challenges then shot low past Mullen from the edge of the box.
Anderson skied a shot over from 15 yards out on the hour mark but two minutes later the visitors went 3-1 in front when Ethan Ross scored from a suspiciously offside position after the hoops defence had been opened up.
Aberdeen went 4-1 up in the 83rd minute when Ethan Ross scored from close range as the young Celts were taught a painful lesson.
CELTIC: Mullen; Bell, Welsh, Duffy, Church; Kennedy, Hendry; Watson, Aitchison, Savoury; Diver.
SUBS: Willison, Kerr, Gibb, McQueen
