NEIL LENNON put his Celtic players through the torment of watching their shock Europa League defeat to Sparta Prague for a second time today. 

The Hoops manager fumed at Parkhead on Thursday as he branded his team’s performance “unacceptable” before admitting that their hopes of qualifying now hang in the balance. 

The Scottish Premiership champions face a tough trip to Motherwell tomorrow and in preparation Lennon opted to give his players a taste of the tough treatment. 

“We had a meeting today, we went through the game again which is something I haven’t done for a long long time,” he told Herald and Times Sport. 

“I wanted them to see it. We got a few points across that we wanted to make. We have to show a much better attitude and apply ourselves a lot better to games. 

“Because the level of performance was unacceptable. We went through the game and then at the end the players had their say too. I had a bit of a say after the game on Thursday too. 

“They are clear now on what is required. Listen, they are honest enough to know that it was a disappointing performance, considering the standards we have set over the years. 

“We need to get our consistency back, whether it be from a physical playing point of view or mentally, switching back on.  

“We have lost concentration at times. We got really ragged in possession which is really unlike us. We started the game quite well. First 20 minutes was fine and then we got very ragged with the ball.” 

Lennon is confident that he will get the response required when his squad aims to close the nine-point gap to Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership at Fir Park.

He continued: “I know what I’ve got in there. We’ve got to stay on point. We’ve been a bit inconsistent I think there’s been a bit of transition for some. 

“Every season is not going to bring a big improvement. We had a great season last year, but we have plateaued a little bit. 

“But there is more to come from the team and hopefully that will start tomorrow.”