Lacklustre Celtic draw a blank

Celtic 0 Kilmarnock 0:  Celtic drew a blank against Kilmarnock at home as they began the defence of their Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League title in unimpressive style.

The champions dominated almost the entire match and missed a catalogue of chances, with striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink being the biggest culprit.

Killie had two good opportunities through Allan Johnston and Simon Ford to grab their first victory at Celtic Park since 1955, but after an afternoon on the back foot they were more than happy to return to Ayrshire with a point.

The odds were stacked against the visitors in more ways than one.

Added to Killie's poor record at Celtic Park, the champions had not lost an opening SPL game in 10 years since a 2-1 defeat by Hibernian at Easter Road.

Before the SPL flag was unfurled before the start of the game, Celtic chairman Brian Quinn rallied the fans by reminding them of last season's success and asking them to give a vote of thanks to Gordon Strachan and his management team.

But the fans' enthusiasm waned quite quickly as they witnessed a first half of missed chances.

Midfielder Paul Hartley slammed a shot high over the bar from the edge of the Killie box with less than a minute gone to begin an inevitable opening period of pressure from the home side.

Irish winger Aiden McGeady's deep cross to the back post found Vennegoor of Hesselink unmarked but the big Dutchman lacked conviction, volleying back across goal and wide from just six yards out.

Celtic survived a suspect tackle by Stephen McManus on Killie striker Colin Nish inside the home penalty box but there was still time for Vennegoor of Hesselink and John Kennedy to miss chances to grab the opener.

The second half began as the first ended with Celtic taking the game to the visitors and Hartley having an early effort on goal.

Wilson's cross in to the box from the right found the Scotland midfielder whose header from 12 yards was tipped over by Combe.

There was an increasing desperation about Kilmarnock's defending as the second half continued but there was also an increase in frustration in the Celtic ranks.

David Fernandez replaced the fatigued Johnston with seven minutes to go but it was still a case of Killie hanging on with Combe tipping Brown's shot over the bar in injury-time.

However, the jeers that rang out at the final whistle told their own story at two points dropped by the champions.