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Stokes' double delight compounds M'Vila woe

Anthony Stokes expressed his joy after scoring twice in Celtic FC's first Group I win against Stade Rennais FC while Yann M'Vila reflected on what could have been for the French side.

Anthony Stokes scores his second goal against Rennes
Anthony Stokes scores his second goal against Rennes ©Getty Images

Two-goal striker Anthony Stokes believes Celtic FC can approach their two remaining Group I fixtures with confidence restored after a 3-1 defeat of Stade Rennais FC, while 17-year-old defender Marcus Fraser was delighted to make his bow on the European stage. Frédéric Antonetti's side, meanwhile, did not have the strength of character to push on and claim a crucial victory after taking an early lead, according to midfielder Yann M'Vila.

Anthony Stokes, Celtic forward
We played very well, defended well when we had to and took our chances when we got them. It's a massive win for us which gives us confidence going into our next few games. It was disappointing to concede so early. It was a good header but a couple of our players got underneath it. We showed great spirit to come back into the game and I thought we were comfortable in the second half. It was tough being up front on my own but if I score two every game I'll be more than happy to play there.

Marcus Fraser, Celtic defender
Playing for the Under-19s is great but this was really special. I was told to warm-up when Glenn [Loovens] signalled he wasn't right, so I knew there was a chance I'd be coming on. At half-time we knew he couldn't carry on, so I was called over and told to get changed. Big Dan [Daniel Majstorovic] helped me at half-time and talked me through to the final whistle. Tomorrow I've been told to report to Lennoxtown [Celtic's training centre] but hopefully I'll get down to watch my U19 team-mates at lunchtime and see them win.

Jonathan Pitroipa, Rennes forward
We're disappointed because we came here to really fight for the three points. We started well by scoring very quickly. Unfortunately we couldn't keep the lead and we conceded a second goal just before half-time; it really stopped us in our tracks. In the second half we tried to equalise but we conceded another goal instead. It's a pity because I think we were playing well against Celtic. Now we have to focus on the league because our team is good and we can finish top [of Ligue 1]. I hope we can qualify for Europe again next season.

Yann M'Vila, Rennes midfielder
In the first 25 minutes, Celtic didn't do anything and we gifted them two goals which killed the game. They defended well but we weren't aggressive enough and I'm disappointed with the way we played. Tonight, we showed that we were better than them but if you don't score, you can't win. I don't know if we got scared by the stadium, the players or the atmosphere, but we were really motivated to get a good result tonight, we just lacked personality. We should have maintained our advantage, we should have scored a second goal and it's very frustrating. We are going through difficult times and we need to bounce back at Valenciennes on Sunday.

Georges Mandjeck, Rennes midfielder
We started well by scoring from a corner but we conceded goals from individual mistakes. That's what changed the game. In the second half, we tried to get the better of Celtic but the third goal finished us. The two substitutes helped us and we pushed for a second but we didn't manage it. If you don't show determination or desire, you pay for it. Tonight, we were not at our best.

 

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