CELTIC SUFFERED A rare setback in their surge to the Scottish Premiership title as struggling Dundee held on for a 0-0 draw at Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were well below their best, and squandered the few chances they created in a dour clash.
The treble-chasing Hoops remain on course to win the title at a canter, however, after they moved 10 points clear of second-placed Aberdeen with six games remaining.
Dundee are five points clear of Ross County, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, and bottom side Partick Thistle.
It was a landmark night for 35-year-old Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who returned from a knee injury which had kept him out since January to make his 200th appearance for the Hoops.
There was less than three minutes played when Dundee ‘keeper Elliot Parish was called upon to save a close-range drive from striker Moussa Dembele after he had worked a clever one-two with wide-man James Forrest.
Dundee’s first attempt on goal in the 11th minute almost saw them take the lead with Simon Murray’s vicious drive from 25 yards tipped over the crossbar for a corner by Gordon.
Celtic pushed Dundee back again but the Taysiders looked organised, aggressive and resolute, although Parish had to push a Forrest drive past a post just before the half-hour mark before Scott Sinclair headed over from the corner.
Celtic enjoyed some luck in added time when Dedryck Boyata’s tackle on Roarie Deacon at the edge of the box saw the ball fly past Gordon, only to rebound off a post.
Parish made saves from Forrest, Stuart Armstrong and Sinclair as Celtic stepped up the tempo at the start of the second half.
In the 87th minute, Jack Hendry headed a Leigh Griffiths free-kick inches past a post but there was to be no late winner for the Scottish champions.
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