Neil Lennon revealed his concern about his Celtic side's title hopes after the 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle.
The defeat left the Hoops 10 points behind leaders Rangers with only one game in hand. Celtic's championship aspirations suffered a severe blow after second-half goals from Rudi Skacel and Ryan Stevenson gave the dogged Jambos victory in a pulsating encounter, which also saw Kris Commons receive a straight red.
"It is a concern, obviously," Lennon said. "We have a game in hand but we have to win that game and cut it to seven and eat away at it. But we have to find more consistency in our performances. We have lost three games already this season and last season we lost four. It is a difficult position that I am in but I understand that position."
The Parkhead boss added: "The players are going to have to turn it around, and I am going to have to turn it around. A few players have to look at themselves and ask if they are doing enough at the minute. There are six, seven months of the season to go and we have to find consistency."
The Bhoys created a number of chances in the capital, but were unable to take any of them and ultimately paid the price. And, aside from the defeat, it was the bluntness of their attack that irked Lennon the most.
"My biggest bugbear about today is the amount of chances we missed," continued the Irishman. "We missed some really good chances in the first half. We were wasteful in front of goal and away from home, the longer the game is goalless, you give the opposition encouragement."
Hearts coach Gary Locke was glad to see the Gorgie side get back on track in the best possible way. The former Hearts skipper said: "It was really pleasing, we played well and you have to do that against both Old Firm clubs.
"We were disappointed with the result last week against St Johnstone and before that against Ayr United so hopefully so have made up for it today. We said to the players that if they apply themselves like they did today in every game then hopefully they will go on to have a very successful season.
"Throughout the team we had to be at our best because it was a very good Celtic team. We were right up for the game, the attitude and commitment was there right from the start and I thought we played well at times and made chances. But we have to keep it going and build on it, we have to be more consistent."
Source: PA
