8 hours ago
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Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey saw his hopes of Champions League football for the season ended
Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey will not be adding to his Champions League experience this season after Celtic were stunned in the play-offs.
The Scottish champions were favourites to make the first phase of the competition but were beaten on penalties by Kazakh side Kairat Almaty.
"It's very frustrating," Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said. "We showed a glimpse of what we can do at this level but we haven't been able to show that over the course of these two games.
"It's bitterly disappointing, because we were on the right track last season and working really well and playing really good football, so to not be in there this season is a huge blow for us. We missed a massive opportunity over these two games."
Simpson-Pusey is yet to kick a ball for Celtic since his loan move earlier this month. He has been on the bench for both Champions League games but was not turned to as Rodgers kept faith with his more trusted players.
Their shock defeat in Kazakhstan means that, when he does play, Simpson-Pusey will not be able to add to his Champions league appearances. The young centre-back made his full City debut last season in the competition away at Sporting and also featured against Feyenoord.
Simpson-Pusey went on to win the Premier League 2 Player of the Year award - the first time a defender has been given the honour - and earned a move to Celtic for this season.
He is still expected to be involved in a title race in Scotland and will also have Europa League football to test himself and develop, but going out of the Champions League is a disappointment early in his time up in Glasgow.
City will find out who they will face in the Champions League in Thursday's draw after all of the play-off matches have been completed. Pep Guardiola's side are looking to improve on a disappointing run last season that saw them knocked out in the play-off stage before the knockout rounds during an alarming loss of form.
Celtic meanwhile will find out which eight teams they face in the Europa League first phase on Friday. Simpson-Pusey will be hoping to get up to speed to start getting in the team at Parkhead as he acclimatises to a new environment.
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