CELTIC 1 VfB STUTTGART 4

IT WASN’T the way Martin O’Neill had hoped to celebrate his 1,000th game in football management.

Celtic are now hurtling out of the Europa League after a dreadful all-round performance against a VfB Stuttgart side who were worthy winners at Parkhead tonight.

On this showing, next week’s second leg in Germany is a mere formality.

The Hoops disintegrated in an error-strewn performance where Kasper Schmeichel will have to hold his hands up for two of the goals, but the men in front of him didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory in a night to forget.

The defence wobbled, the midfield malfunctioned and the attack was non-existent.

O’Neill looked on in dismay from the touchline and he now has the unenviable task of working on the confidence levels of his players before the must-win Premiership encounter with Hibs at the same venue on Sunday.

The hosts just couldn’t get to grips with the rhythm of the game as they continually conceded possession with wayward passes that were mainly overhit with Tomas Cvancara doing his best to chase them down.

The game was held up for four minutes following a fans’ protest after only 15 seconds....