We are champs for a reason but it doesn't matter what credit you have in the bank, that was not acceptable

Ralston says Celts will learn from derby agony

- CRAIG SWAN

ANTHONY RALSTON admits credit in the bank doesn't matter and insists Celtic cut themselves no slack over Ibrox defeat.

The Parkhead defender doesn't forget his team are deserving champions and in the hunt for a Treble due to their outstanding displays and consistency over the course of an entire campaign.

But at the same time Ralston knows that doesn't mean you can just cast off a poor display as merely a rare bad day at work.

The right-back and his team-mates were miles off their levels as their 34-game unbeaten domestic record was crushed by Rangers over the weekend.

Ralston knows the performance was simply not good enough and there are no attempts to try to disguise or dismiss it.

He said: "We were not at our best, first and foremost.

"We have to be honest with ourselves.

"We have done absolutely terrific this season and we are champions for a reason because consistently over the course of the season we have implemented how we want to play.

"It's quite plain and simple, we didn't do that at Ibrox.

"Where we have got to at this point is through our hard work.

Through not accepting our standards dropping.

"Through relentless training, relentless high standards that we have attained through a course of time.

"That's not an excuse to cut ourselves any slack. We want the best at all times and we take this at face value.

Ralston's searing honesty was impressive when he could easily have pointed to a host of reasons or even excuses had that been his choice.