Celtic fed to the wolves and leave Denmark with further wounds amid crippling injury list

Honking in Herning. There can be no other way to describe this Europa League performance in Denmark. Celtic didn't bring home the bacon; instead they were processed into it.

The wolves of Midtjylland feasted upon the Scottish champions. They created 15 chances in a landslide first half and netted three of them, each of them greeted with a howl over the tannoy at the MCH Arena. Suitably sated, the hosts relented after half time against wounded prey and even gifted a Celtic consolation. This was a good night's work for Mike Tullberg's men, who remain top of the table at the midway point of the league phase.

The outlook is bleaker for Celtic. Nine months ago they were competing with the might of Bayern Munich in the knock-out stages of the Champions League. They were unrecognisable from those matches against the German giants: flimsy in defence, brittle in midfield and non-existent in attack.

Interim manager Martin O'Neill and his assistant Shaun Maloney watched on powerless. After wins over Falkirk and Rangers, a step forward had been taken. This felt like two back for the caretakers and one wonders whether this will accelerate the Celtic board's search for a permanent head coach.

Celtic can't splutter on like this for too much longer. With four points after four matches and ties against Roma, Feyenoord, Bologna and Utrecht to come, finishing in the top 24 is not guaranteed. There is not enough evidence that in this current shape, they can overhaul runaway Premiership leaders Hearts either.

Clarity in the dugout is only half the battle. The squad needs to be nourished in almost every area of the pitch. It is worth noting the only mitigating factor, the absence of three key injured players in defenders Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers, plus forward Jota.

Celtic’s nightmare seven-minute spell

Celtic could not cope with the energy, dynamism and creativity of Midtjylland. The Danes have improved a lot since being taken to extra time by Hibs in the qualifiers earlier this season.

Midtylland wrestled control of this game early on. Wave after wave of attack. Celtic clung on to parity until the 34th minute, when Croatian defender Martin Erlic headed in from close range after the impressive Mikel Gorgoza stood up a fine cross. A minute later, the 19-year-old Dane tormented Anthony Ralston once more, cutting in on his right and curling past Kasper Schmeichel.

When another sought-after Midtjylland forward in Franculino swept home his 50th goal for the club on 41 minutes after more lamentable defending, an embarrassment felt like it was on the cards.

Celtic brought on Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand at the break in an attempt to find a way back in. The hosts took their foot off the pedal. Franculino, Gorgoza and another tormentor in Dario Osorio were taken off before the hour mark. Tougher challenges await them.

Celtic's surprise slither of hope came when Osmand was fouled by Erlic in the box. It was a clear penalty. Substitute Reo Hatate squeezed the ball under Elias Olafsson.

The night ended on a sour note when Osmand went down in tears clutching his hamstring. Another injury for Celtic to contend with. These remain testing times.