NO one hid.

 

Scott Brown's assessment of the reaction to calamity was one of a captain who knows that "hiding" in full view of 60,000 spectators may be difficult but that "hiding" in a professional sense can be an instinctive reaction to facing what seems an overwhelming force.

The moment of crisis came about 8.20pm on a Thursday evening when Celtic fell two goals behind to Internazionale of Milan in the last 32 of the Europa League. The situation was already critical. It had the immediate potential to be humiliating.

"We all thought we were in trouble. We looked around at each other at 2-0 down and said: 'We need to stick in here'," said Brown reflecting on an opening 13 minutes that had witnessed goals from Xherdan Shaquiri and Rodrigo Palacio.

"We knew we were in trouble. We didn't want to be out there in front of 60,000 Celtic fans and embarrass ourselves," said the Scottish internationalist who took a leading role in lifting his team mates.

Celtic came back twice - from 0-2 and 2-3- to force a draw that takes them to the San Siro on Thursday with hope of progressing in the tournament.

"It showed the team spirit in that dressing room. There is a real never say die attitude," said Brown of the comeback through goals by Stuart Armstrong and John Guidetti.

"Yes, we made mistakes and gave them a couple of goals. But we didn't give up and have given ourselves a chance going into the second leg.

"There was never a point when we didn't want the ball. That's the sign of a good team. Even though it wasn't going our way at one point, everyone showed for it. No one hid."

Brown was sincere when he praised the supporters for helping the team come back.

"Inter struggled a bit but I think that was down to the fans as well. They made the place so intimidating. They supported us from start to finish. They were still singing at 2-0 down and chanting for us to get forward," he said.

"Everyone talks about the fans being the 12th man but it really is the case in these situations. They really pushed us on."

But there were football reasons for the loss of the goals and for the way Celtic grew into the game. Craig Gordon, a viable candidate for the club's player of the year, particularly for his performances in Europe, was at fault for two goals, spectacularly so for Inter's third, but the team defended poorly in the first half.

The resurgence came certainly as a result of an undimmed spirit but also because Celtic played with an unrelenting energy and exploited space on the wings. Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven, both signed from Dundee United in the transfer window, showed both skill and tactical awareness on their European debuts for the club. Playing wide in a midfield three, they regularly came in to allow Adams Matthews and Emilio Izaguirre room to rampage down the flanks.

In a breathless first half, Celtic scored twice but went in a goal down. They were much more forceful and assertive in the second period that ended with Guidetti's stunning equaliser.

"We had a great attitude in the second half. We controlled the game and created chances. We need to do that again over there," said Brown

"We showed them how good we can be in that second half. We controlled the match and pushed to get the equaliser and eventually got the reward."

Brown is aware that the midfield battle was difficult on Thursday but praised Stefan Johansen and the two recruits for adapting quickly to stifle Inter.

"We did well with the boys out wide stepping in and Stefan getting involved as well. It was great the way we pressed and a lot of credit has to go to the way the new boys came in," he said.

He added: "It was our job to channel as much aggression as we could and try to get us as far up the pitch as possible."

This second-half performance must be the template for the second leg. The balance of power lies undoubtedly with Inter, with away goals and home advantage. Celtic almost certainly have to win to progress.

They have given themselves a chance of survival in the Europa League by refusing to bow to Inter when two goals down at Celtic Park. But they must address the shortcomings that placed them in that perilous position. Gordon will surely not make similar mistakes and Brown was quick to support his keeper.

"Craig is worth his weight in gold. Everyone makes mistakes. But at the end of the day he made a superb save at the end which keeps us in the game and keeps us in the tie."

He is confident a cocktail of spirit, technique and, crucially, energy can see Celtic prosper in Milan

"You could see our fitness at the end," he said of the thrilling finale on Thursday night. "Their lads were going down with cramp but we were still raring to go in those final few minutes."

Celtic will need to be at their best for 90minutes-plus in the San Siro. They will need strong legs but it iscrucial that technique and concentration also stands up to the demands of a Serie A side.