Craig Gordon has insisted that Celtic can still qualify out of Group A, despite all evidence pointing to the contrary.

The Celtic goalkeeper has acknowledged that the frailties within the side need urgent consideration but he has refused to give up on qualification.

Ronny Deila’s position came under further scrutiny last night following yet another limp showing in the Europa League but Gordon believes that Celtic have to focus on the fact that victories, as unlikely as they may seem, against Ajax and Fenerbahce could still put the Hoops through.

“We are capable of doing it,” maintained the Scotland internationalist. “We didn’t show that tonight but it is still in us to bounce back. But we’ll need to be a lot stronger defensively to give ourselves a chance.

“We’ll need to be an awful lot better than we were tonight. Winning the next two games to progress is all we can concentrate on doing.

“In terms of performances, that’s something that is something within our control. I didn’t know the other result as I was so disappointed with our own result and performance. All we can do is pick ourselves up and start winning games.”

The pressure on Deila has further intensified on the back of the defeat to Molde but Gordon believes that the players too must shoulder some of the responsibility for this season’s repeated European failures.

“ We are the ones out on the park,” he said. “There’s been a lot of errors throughout the campaign and we all need to take responsibility for that.

“I certainly take my responsibility for it. Collectively and individually there’s been a lot of mistakes.

“There’s always going to be ups and downs in any player and any team. There’s been a few performances I have been disappointed in, more than last season.”

Jozo Simunovic made the decision to take his place at the heart of the Celtic defence last night, only to last three minutes before having to be replaced. It has been a problem that has plagued Celtic this term and Gordon acknowledged that it has not helped his own performances.

“For whatever reasons we’ve not managed to get a settled back four in the last three months, whether it’s been down to injuries or guys coming in and out,” he said.

“It’s not necessarily anyone’s fault, it’s just the way it’s turned out.

“There are players who’ve been playing well and forced their way in, and others who have picked up injuries.

“The defensive has changed so much with a number of players in different positions.

“It would help us if we could have a settled back four.”