Kris Commons: Fear not reason for Celtic's Champions League exit

Celtic midfielder Kris Commons does not think the Hoops played with fear during last night's Champions League loss at Malmo.

The Swedish side prevailed 2-0 in front of a raucous crowd at the Swedbank Stadion to win 4-3 on aggregate and advance to the Champions League group stage.

And Celtic boss Ronny Deila said after the match that he felt his team looked "very frightened and scared".

But Commons, who came off the bench for the second half, pointed out that the result hinged on a few key moments, particularly the controversial decision to disqualify a goal from Nir Bitton just before the interval.

"I wouldn't say it was fear," he said, when asked about Deila's comments.

"I don't think we played with fear. When you've just got the one goal [advantage from leg one] you're thinking that, if you can get a clean sheet or draw, then you're through, so it's a completely different outlook.

"They came into the game knowing that they needed a goal, whereas we were trying to do just enough to keep a clean sheet.

If we had come in at half-time at 1-1, when we scored from a corner, then it puts a completely different complexion on the game. It wasn't to be.

"But, if we had come in at half-time at 1-1, when we scored from a corner, then it puts a completely different complexion on the game. It wasn't to be.

"Balls weren't quite falling for us and we got done by a couple of set-pieces."

Asked if he personally had felt under pressure, Commons added: "No, I didn't feel stressed.

"I think it's a stressful night because you know what's waiting for you if you get through, but coming here with a one-goal lead put a big importance on the first goal.

"It wasn't to be. They took their chances and certainly put us under pressure."

And Commons said Celtic still have much to look forward this season, with a good run in the Europa League high on their list of priorities.

"It's difficult to take, very difficult," he said. "But we'll be looking to go further in the Europa League, we'll be taking a keen interest in that.

"And then everyone will be talking about the treble, so let's try and win the league and the cups.

"There's a lot to play for this year. There's a lot of disappointment this week, but the season is just beginning, so hopefully we can maintain our league form and kick on."