Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy remained optimistic after seeing his side lose 2-0 to Motherwell and miss the chance to go top of the Scottish Premiership.

Goals from Ibrahim Said and Elliot Watt either side of the break saw Motherwell earn all three points at Fir Park and move within five points of their counterparts.

It was the first time Celtic had lost to Motherwell since December 2015, going unbeaten in their previous 35 meetings in all competitions (W30 D5) and winning their last 11 away from home before this defeat.

Celtic remain three points behind league leaders Hearts at the summit, while Rangers’ win over St. Mirren also saw them move within touching distance of Nancy’s side.

But the French coach chose to focus on the positives after their loss, which also ended a brief two-game winning run.

“It was not a good performance. We had difficulties today, while our opponents were connected,” Nancy told BBC Scotland.

“We want to keep going, but this was a stop. This stop is going to allow us to be better collectively.

“The message is getting across, but we faced adversity today and that is the reality, after that comes a bit of doubt.

“I believe I saw good stuff, to press in the good moment and defend in the good moment.

“Now it is time to get better and keep working because it is the only thing we can control.”