No confidence crisis as Scales seeks derby win to 'change narrative'

Celtic defender Liam Scales insists there is no crisis of confidence at the club after Martin O'Neill's side suffered damaging back-to-back defeats.

Thursday night's 3-1 Europa League opening loss to Ferencvaros followed the 3-0 Premier Sports Cup exit to Rangers, who visit Celtic Park in the Premiership on Sunday.

"Definitely not, no crisis," Scales replied when asked if confidence levels were significantly dented.

"It was a tough night. It just felt like a nervy night. I just think the times that the goals went in and how the game went. We did really well to get back in the game.

"I felt like we were decent in the first half and then obviously to concede the second just before half-time and the third right after half-time sort of killed the game and that's individual errors, myself included."

Scales believes successive defeats will not have significant influence on Sunday's meeting with Rangers despite concerns over Celtic's form and defensive frailty in big games.

"I wouldn't say it's damaging in that sense [defeat to Ferencvaros]. It's a completely different competition," he said.

"We still have seven games left in the Europa League. I don't think it will affect how we approach the Rangers game on the weekend.

"I just think in key moments, in big games, we're kind of coming out on the wrong end of individual errors, little 50-50 decisions, and it's hurt us.

"We have to separate this and move on to the game. We're in really good form in the league. We've won every game so far. That's what we need to focus on.

"I definitely think a positive result on Sunday completely changes the narrative and the feeling around the place."

Scales also dismissed the notion some new signings haven't grasped the demands of playing for Celtic, with a number struggling to make consistent impact.

"I think they have," he said. "I think it's just a matter of getting used to the demands every week. I do feel like they know how big the club is and how much every game means to the fans.

"It's just about getting the consistency and showing up every single week and being our best as a team.

"I think the new lads have been really, really good. We've seen bits of magic from all of them. They'll improve as well. They'll get used to it. It's a difficult club to come to and time is key for them."