Colby Donovan understands Celtic fans' frustration but has stressed the need for unity after another turbulent week.

Celtic have dropped five points in two games, with supporters reacting angrily to players and coaching staff after Sunday's 2-0 loss at Falkirk.

Martin O'Neill' side remain four points clear at the top of the Premiership but have now played a game more than Rangers.

The Green Brigade are boycotting the Europa League game against Besiktas on Thursday in protest at the club's board and divisions are prominent again after an amnesty during the nine-match winning streak that sealed the double in May.

But right-back Donovan said: "We all stick together. We had a tough time last year as well, probably worse than this, but the boys just stick together, even the staff as well. We just try and keep giving the same message and I'm sure it'll click.

"Last year it was a tough time for the club and everyone knows that. We came through that with flying colours, we went on to win a double, so I'm sure nothing changes.

"We're the same group of boys here, there's still a good core group from last year, so I'm sure it'll click for us.

"It's never a great feeling when you see your fans like that, but that's how Celtic fans are.

"We don't pick up wins, it's the same. We've seen it at home the other night. The message is that we all just need to stick together.

"You see in the (fixtures after the) split last year when the fans are on our side and they give us noise, it's like a 12th man.

"When they turn on us it's not great, we just need them all together.

"I know what it's like to look in from a fan's perspective. It's not great, you want your club to win every game. When we can't deliver for them, it's not going to be all happy. The fans are going to be upset.

"But it's just trying to get that message across to them that we need them."

Given his background as a Celtic fan, Donovan feels the pain as much as anyone.

"It's tough, it's never easy to lose a football game," he said. "When you lose games like this, it's such a big club. As it's your boyhood club, it does take a big toll on you.

"I look round the changing room and all the boys are the same, none of us want to get beat. Nobody turns on each other, we stick together and go on to the next one."