Celtic new boy Colin Kazim-Richards has stated that he does not want to be judged by his performance in the 2-1 loss to Aberdeen last night.

With Celtic trailing 2-0 through first half goals from Jonny Hayes and Simon Church, Kazim-Richards, who was snapped up by the Hoops from Feyenoord on deadline day, came on as a half-time substitute to partner Leigh Griffiths up front at Pittodrie.




The Turkey international tried to use his big physique to trouble Aberdeen’s defenders, who conceded in injury-time when Griffiths put one into the back of the net.

And the 29-year-old, who explained that he is not match fit, insisted that there is more to his game than being a physical forward.
 


“I’m not match fit”, he told Celtic TV.

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“This is the way I’m going to get fit, there’s a lot more to come.

“I’m more than just a big man. But in games like that you have to do what’s necessary.

“I tried to be effective, tried to get Griffiths a little bit more than he was getting in the first half.

“He ended up getting his goal. But we didn’t get the result we wanted.

“To force them to change from the way they actually play meant we did something right in the second half, but ultimately we didn’t get the three points.”

Although Celtic remain at the top of the Premiership table, their lead was reduced to just three points following the loss at Aberdeen.

Ronny Deila’s team will next face East Kilbride in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.