Dave Mackay's second-half strike gave the visitors their first win in the east end of Glasgow since 1998 to prevent the Hoops going top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Saints goalkeeper Peter Enckelman saved Kris Commons' third-minute penalty to set the tone for the rest of the "wasteful" afternoon, which saw Commons and substitute Paddy McCourt hit the post as the anxiety intensified by the minute.

The Parkhead players slumped off looking for a way to recover before the second leg of their Europa League play-off against Sion in Switzerland on Thursday night, which is still very much in the balance following the goalless draw at Parkhead.

The Celtic manager remains confident his side can go through but is looking for his players to react better under pressure.

"The way we didn't handle the crowd when they scored is a concern," said Lennon. "There was a bit of panic.

"I understand the crowd's frustration, I am totally with them on that but the players have to handle that situation.

"There is an anxiety at all big clubs when things are not going well and you have to be able to handle it.

"I got it in my day, as did Alan Thompson (coach) and Johan Mjallby (assistant). The best way to react to that is to put the ball in the net.

"But we are only four games into the season and I am certainly not panicking."

St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes is sure the Celtic players can bounce back from the shock defeat and get their fans back onside.

The former Rangers and Dundee United midfielder said: "They have too many good players at Celtic Park for that to continue.

"You can never switch off when you play Celtic. I am screaming out for a wide player and they bring on Paddy McCourt and James Forrest.

"But I am just looking at my team and yesterday I felt pretty comfortable, I have to admit, but I didn't want to tempt fate by saying it.

"If the penalty goes in it is a different game, we would have had a jolt to our confidence.

"But after the goal, we kept working hard and got the result in the end."