Celtic at a loss after European exit

Disbelieving Celtic FC defender Mark Wilson described the dramatic 2-1 defeat at Aalborg BK last night that ended their 2008/09 European campaign as "probably the lowest point in my career".

Turnaround
The Scottish side looked set to secure a deserved first away win in 20 UEFA Champions League games after taking the lead in Denmark thanks to Barry Robson's fine 53rd-minute header. However, they could not hold on and AaB equalised with 17 minutes remaining through Caca's deflected shot. The hosts then secured the win through an 87th-minute Gary Caldwell own goal. The result means AaB finish third in Group E, behind Manchester United FC and Villarreal CF, and secure a place in the UEFA Cup while Celtic are bottom and out of Europe for another season.

'Lowest point'
"We're all shocked at how the game turned out," reflected Wilson. "We were cruising and under no danger at all – the way they turned it around is incredible. We're out of Europe now, which has hit us hard. This is probably the lowest point in my career. I can't quite believe what happened, particularly because of the manner of the goals, but we've got to pick ourselves up now and win the competitions we're left in."

'Devasted'
Robson's despair was echoed by Celtic captain Stephen McManus. "It was horrendous in the dressing room, the boys are devastated," the defender said. "It is probably the worst blow we've had to take over the years. It is doubly disappointing because we were in control of the game. If you get beat by the better side with two top quality goals then you can hold your hands up but when you are on top, and give two goals away like that then it is horrendous."