Celtic today missed an opportunity to go clear of title rivals Rangers with a scoreless draw at Ibrox in the Old Firm derby. Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor produced a man-of-the-match performance to help keep his side on top of the table, saving a late Georgios Samaras penalty to maintain Walter Smith's side's one-point advantage at the summit of the table.

In a hectic end to the contest, Hoops substitute Anthony Stokes was adjudged to have been brought down in the area by Steven Davis in the 82nd minute but Greece international Samaras prodded his spot-kick to McGregor's left with the 'Gers number one coming up with a fine save that ended up seeing the match end in a draw.

McGregor also made a number of other saves, particularly when Daniel Majstorovic headed goalward from close range prior to the 60-minute mark and then when Emilio Izaguirre attempted a deft chip with 15 minutes remaining.

The 0-0 result was the seventh match between the two Glasgow giants this season with the honours slightly going to the Hoops who won three times with two draws and a pair of victories going the way of Rangers.

With five games remaining, Celtic are just a point behind Rangers who have four games to go starting with Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday whilst Neil Lennon's charges host Dundee United the following day.