Gary Mackay-Steven describes mood in Celtic dressing room following Manchester City draw

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Celtic bowed out of the Champions League on a high with a spirited draw at the Etihad.

Gary Mackay-Steven has suggested that the mood in the Celtic dressing room was fairly negative following their final Champions League group-stage clash with Manchester City, the Evening Times reports.

The Hoops went into the game knowing that it would definitely be their last in this year’s competition. Nevertheless, they put up a brilliant fight at the Etihad Stadium and ultimately came away with a point against Pep Guardiola’s men.

Celtic’s Patrick Roberts celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates

Despite the spirited draw however, Mackay-Steven has suggested that the atmosphere amongst the Hoops team was not as pleasant as it could have been, and perhaps deserved to be, after the game.

“It was frustrating I didn’t manage to score with the chance I got. The overwhelming feeling in the dressing room was of disappointment,” he said, as reported by the Evening Times.

Celtic’s Gary Mackay-Steven looks dejected after a missed chance

“We were unhappy with the draw as we felt we could have nicked it.It’s testimony to the team and how well everyone played. From the first game we’ve learned a lot in the Champions League. We are much stronger and better for being there.”

While Celtic deserve plenty of plaudits for how they played against the Citizens, it is perhaps understandable as to why they did not initially feel proud of their performance.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledges fans after the game

The Bhoys created several good chances throughout the game, and would have inevitably secured their first win in this year’s competition had they – Mackay-Steven included – been more clinical in front of goal.

And, of course, no amount of promising performances are likely to make up for the disappointment of going out of the competition after clearing so many hurdles to make it to the group-stages.

But Brendan Rodgers will surely be instructing his players to remember that feeling of dejection, as, with the Scottish Premiership title already looking nailed on, they know that their time should come again next season.