Unconvinced Kris Commons believes Celtic did little to prove they are capable of wrestling back the title from runaway champions Rangers next season.
The former Parkhead midfielder admits it was an improved performance but believes the Hoops' defensive frailties must be addressed before they think about launching a comeback.
Commons concedes he winced the moment Jonjoe Kenny overcooked his pass that set up Rangers to fire in a corner that eventually ended in Alfredo Morelos nodding home from close range.
The 38-year-old reckons Celtic lacked the firepower in their starting XI to reall trouble Steven Gerrard and his players.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "For all Celtic were the better side yesterday, you couldn't say the fact they didn't win the match was a hard-luck story.
"They lacked quality in the final third, didn't make the most of their half chances and again showed how vulnerable they are when defending set-pieces. You never felt they had enough goals in them. Apart from Odsonne Edouard, there weren't enough natural scorers in the starting XI.
"John Kennedy's side were decent throughout but didn't really send out a message to Rangers that they'll be the team to beat again next season. It was far from convincing.
"As soon as Jonjoe Kenny overhit that backpass, you almost knew what was coming next.
"That inability to defend the box has been the story of the season. It's killed them."
Commons has also sent a warning in the direction of the boardroom as he reminded them fans are still expecting a box-office arrival after a season to forget.
And the former Scotland international believes the club will need to start communicating with their supporters ahead of season ticket renewals.
He added: "Celtic need an appointment that's going to excite the fans in the way that Brendan Rodgers did.
"The board will do its business quietly, but they have to offer some clarity in terms of where the club is going before they think about selling season tickets."
