Defensive duo not to blame for Celtic’s shock defeat, insists assistant boss Chris Davies

CHRIS DAVIES has leapt to the defence of Celtic centre-backs Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata, insisting they were not to blame for the end of the Hoops’ unbeaten run.

Brendan Rodgers’ team suffered their first domestic defeat in 18 months on Sunday as Hearts produced a shock 4-0 win.

And there was more anguish for Simunovic and Boyata following that torrid afternoon at Tynecastle as fans and pundits rushed to point fingers at the defensive pair.

It is not the first time they have been singled out for criticism this season following a difficult Champions League group stage campaign.

But assistant boss Davies believes it would be harsh to lay all the blame at the door of Bosnian Simunovic and his Belgian counterpart Boyata when they are part of a team effort.

Hearts did not find a new way to beat us, says Celtic captain Scott Brown

“We all share the successes together and that’s our culture here,” said Davies as he looked ahead to Wednesday’s clash with Partick Thistle, where the Hoops will hope to bounce back after their record 69-game streak finally ended.

“If you watch when we win a trophy at Hampden, the manager rounds up as many people as he can – the kit guys, the players not in the squad, everybody – on the podium so that we’re all up there together, celebrating together.

“The reason that happens is because we also share the setbacks together. We never ever say, ‘That is somebody’s fault’ and point fingers.

“The strength of our group is our spirit and that is what has defined us.

“Of course we are looking at recruitment – and we can strengthen all over the pitch – but (central defence) isn’t our only priority and we certainly support everyone who played at the weekend.

“We’re all in this together, so there is not one position responsible for our success or our setbacks.”