Celtic fail to show any spark

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Inverness CT 0 Celtic 0: AS A player, Terry Butcher took great pleasure in battening down the hatches against Celtic and the former Rangers captain's new charges did likewise in the Highlands yesterday to set up a tantalising Old Firm encounter on Sunday week.

Celtic’s two-point lead over their rivals accentuates the theory there’s plenty of life in this title race yet.

Butcher, in his first match in charge of Inverness, halted an eight-game losing league run, with the hosts displaying the defensive bravery which made their manager such a formidable character as an England international two decades ago.

Gordon Strachan said: “No disrespect to Inverness but we have better players than them,” he said. “Those players were not good enough to beat Inverness’ enthusiasm and determination.”

Strachan’s point was illustrated by the fact the Inverness goalkeeper Ryan Esson did not have a meaningful save to make. Celtic’s best chance fell to their captain, Stephen McManus, who blasted over from close range in the dying seconds. Celtic have now failed to score in 210 minutes and a lack of spark is costing the defending champions.

“If we win the Old Firm game, we have a five-point cushion and the pressure is back on Rangers,” insisted Celtic’s Gary Caldwell. “So there is no panic.”

After a low-key transfer window, perhaps those in control of the purse-strings owe Strachan some financial leeway to properly dismiss the challenge from Ibrox.

Optimism, meanwhile, is the order of the day in Inverness. Having kept a clean sheet for the first time since the opening day of the season, Butcher’s side have aspirations of rising from the foot of the table. “I am thrilled,” said Butcher. “I was looking for a start, something to give me hope; I got that.” Guardian Service

INVERNESS CT: Esson, Tokely, Munro, Mihadjuks, Djebi-Zadi, Proctor, Black, Duncan, Foran (Vigurs 74), Imrie (Odhiambo 86), Barrowman (Rooney 69). Subs Not Used: Fraser, McGuire, Wood, Duff. Booked: Black, Rooney.

CELTIC: Boruc, Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Scott Brown, Robson, Nakamura (Crosas 64), McGeady, Samaras (Vennegoor of Hesselink 52), McDonald (Sheridan 87). Subs Not Used: Mark Brown, Loovens, Hartley, O'Dea. Booked: McManus, Robson.

Referee: C Richmond(Scotland).