Postecoglou has tasted defeat in five of his six away games so far, the latest a 4-3 reverse against Real Betis in Celtic's opening Europa League game on Thursday, and is looking for a defensive improvement in Sunday's Scottish Premiership match.

Celtic had 16 attempts at goal in Seville but they let slip a two-goal lead, leaving Postecoglou to hope that his new-look defence will improve with familiarity and that his attacking line-up will continue to flourish.

The Hoops were without attackers Liel Abada, James Forrest, Mikey Johnston and Kyogo Furuhashi in Spain while new striker Giorgos Giakoumakis is still to make his debut.

But Postecoglou was encouraged by the way his side took the game to their opponents.

"It was the manner in which we played that gives me encouragement that we're on the right road," he said.

"We are trying to build a resilient group and we've had opportunities to make excuses about our circumstances but the players were intent on playing our football against a good team, irrespective of playing away from home and the absences we've got in terms of personnel.

"You can come (to Betis) and get a 0- 0 draw (but) that ain't gonna please me.

"I would rather we played the football we played. We will get better at it and, when we do, I think we'll get the rewards as well."

Although Celtic drew a blank in a 1-0 defeat against Rangers in their previous Premiership away game, creating chances and scoring goals have not generally been a problem.

That tight encounter at Ibrox was the exception in Celtic's season with other away games swinging from end to end, while the Hoops have already scored 24 goals at Parkhead.

Australian Associated Press