THIS GAME, perceived as a title decider by many, decided nothing more than the fact that Celtic will now require help from others if they are to win the Scottish Premier league.
Goals from Alan McLaren and John Hughes, who struck with three minutes to go, ensured the Premier Division title race will continue for some time yet, although a tense afternoon in Glasgow did nothing to change Rangers three-point advantage.
Celtic on the day came close to discovering that pretty football in itself doesn't win titles. For long periods, especially in the second half, the Celtic midfield dominated, but the side lacked the incisive pass, the killer touch.
Time and again they stretched the width of the field in an attempt to exploit a gap, and with three minutes remaining they found one. Peter Grant's free kick found Hughes, who sent the ball past Andy Goram, the Rangers goalkeeper, with a powerful downward header, He is unlikely to score a more important goal in his career.
Tommy Burns, the Celtic manager, while clearly relieved, was at the same time enigmatically cautious on the way ahead for Celtic. He said: "We are in the same position as before the game. Many would say we had to win, but those people don't understand the game and the psychology of the game. It was most important that we didn't lose.
When asked about his interpretation of the psychology required for the title run-in, Burns refused to comment, but it remains crystal clear that his men must now look to win all seven of their remaining games while hoping other teams relieve Rangers of points.
Burns will no doubt be aware of the need to sharpen his side's striking teeth, and following the collapse of the Jorge Cadete transfer, he might yet turn his attentions to other players.
Rangers, who were forced to defend for almost the entire second half, created the better opportunities, Gordon Marshall pushing a Gordon Durie header on to the post and Stuart McCall sending a header against the crossbar.
The consolation for Celtic was that they continued their passing game and played in a style which holds promise for the future.
We had a lot of possession, but we're always open to the counter-attack," added Burns. "But I've got to be happy. I don't think the players could have given more, and coming back after being down to 10 men says a lot for the attitude of the players and the supporters, who stayed to a man at the end.
Jackie McNamara was the Celtic man shown the red card for a wild tackle on Charlie Miller, which earned a second yellow card. Yet such was Celtic's domination at that time they appeared little handicapped by the loss.
The first half was more even with Paul Gascoigne pulling the midfield strings for Rangers, and it was from his free kick in the 41st minute that McLaren headed Rangers ahead. Celtic's comeback will again invite parallels with 1988, the last time they won the title, when they did so with several late fightbacks. Just over a week ago Celtic beat Dundee United in the Cup, with two goals in the last two minutes, and if Celtic continue to stand by their footballing beliefs, Rangers period of domination in Scottish football will be given its most severe test.
