Liam Scales says Celtic must get back to basics before vital Europa League clash with Sturm Graz

Liam Scales believes Celtic have to get back to basics as they prepare for a “massive” Europa League clash with Sturm Graz at Parkhead on Thursday.

The Hoops’ unconvincing start to the season continued on Sunday when they lost 2-0 to Dundee and their first defeat at Dens Park in 37 years left them with just one win in five games in all competitions and five points behind leaders Hearts, whom they play at Tynecastle on Sunday.

After being knocked out of the Champions League play-off by Kazakhstan side Kairat Almaty, Brendan Rodgers’ side have taken one point from six in their opening two Europa League fixtures, a 1-1 draw away to Red Star Belgrade followed by a 2-0 home defeat to Braga.

The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international defender accepted the need for instant improvement and outlined what he believes is required.

He said: “I think everyone just needs to buy into the system that we want to play and get back to basics in that sense of running more than the opposition, being more clinical, faster and more decisive.

“At both ends of the pitch as well, not just going forward but defending as well.

“We’ve conceded a few goals in the last couple of games that we’re not happy with, so it’s both ends of the pitch, just being more decisive and really doing the basics as well and I think outworking the opposition is massive for us.

“I think maybe that’s dropped a little and it’s hard to put a finger on why, but we just know that that’s what we need to do to improve.

“Every game is big for us, but we want to get our first win in the competition obviously, and we have a good chance to do that tomorrow.

“We just need to really show up and play well.”