All Down To The Final Day As Hibs Holds Celtic & Rangers

Hibernian 0 Celtic 0

After regaining first place in the Scottish Premier League during the week after Rangers were held to a draw by Hibs, Celtic handed it straight back to their Old Firm rivals when they failed to capitalize and were themselves held to a 0-0 draw with Hibs at Easter Road.

Obviously cautious, not wanting to give up three points to the home side, Celtic were cautious in the first half, while Hibs were happy with relying on the counterattack.

Both Samaras, who came close with a header and McDonald, whose shot from close-in was deflected over by Thicot, had their chances in the first half, but Gary Caldwell (who was honored with both the Scottish Football Writers Association Player of the Year and the Tennent's International Player of the Year awards this week) came closest with two headers inside the box, the first kept out by desperate defending and the second falling narrowly wide.

Celtic camped out in the Hibs' half of the field as the second half began but the home side was able to prevent the visitors from scoring, though McDonald had a good claim for a penalty when his shot hit Thicot's arm in the box.

Despite continued pressure, Hibs held on for the point and, with Rangers home win over Aberdeen, Celtic again fell to second place, two points behind their Glasgow rivals.

After the match, Gordon Strachan said that "It was like a training session, where you have waves of attack and try and score.

"We didn't have enough opportunities to blow the goal difference right away. The way it stands now, Rangers have it in their own hands, and fair play to them.

"I knew we played well, there was some outstanding contributions, we did what we did and had chances.

"But looking back over the season, if you score enough goals, then it's not a problem.

"We've not had the magic this year, maybe we're not hungry enough in the box - maybe they'll come next week.

He was realistic about his teams chances at the weekend, saying: "If Rangers go to Tannadice next week and win, you've got to hold your hands up and say well done. "But we'll play Hearts and give it our best shot."

Celtic's final game of the season is against Hearts at Parkhead, while Rangers must travel to a tricky fixture against Dundee United, who are hoping for a draw at least which would send them into the Europa Cup next season. All is on the line for the Bhoys, who must make no mistakes on Sunday and hope that Rangers trip up.

Celtic's attempts to pry 18-year-old midfielder James McCarthy from the Accies was rejected last week, Accies manager Billy Reid emphatically laying down his club's position when he said, "The club have received an offer for James. I can say at this stage that it will be rejected."