MOHAMED Elyounoussi’s goal proved not enough for loan club Celtic as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in their Europa League Group H opener at Parkhead.

Goals from Rade Krunic and Brahim Díaz gave the Serie A side a comfortable interval lead before Elyounoussi, on loan from Saints, reduced the deficit with a header from fellow second-half substitute Ryan Christie’s 76th-minute corner.

But Milan substitute Jens Petter Hauge clinched the win with a counter-attack goal in added time.

Norwegian international Elyounoussi was introduced at half-time for Celtic by boss Lennon.

And the Hoops manager insisted his side were much improved after half-time.

“I’m disappointed we lost,” said Lennon.

“I thought we deserved something from the game. We were very good in the second half, a lot better, better play, better body language but we lacked a cutting edge.

“We got into good areas in the first half but the final ball needs to be better at this level, we gave away two soft goals.

“But we made changes at half-time and we played better in the second half.

“It was markedly better than the weekend (defeat to Rangers). It was encouraging. I don’t like losing but there were a lot of good signs for me.

“I wanted an improvement and we got a big improvement. Part of me is quite pleased with that.

“We could have shied away from it all after the criticism we have taken and I have taken but they showed their personality in the second half.”

Elyounoussi, who signed for Saints from Basel for a reported £16million in June 2018, is in his second loan season at Celtic.

He has played 19 times for the St Mary’s side in all competitions.