Celtic lead Rangers at the top of the SPL by one point following a nervy 2-1 win over Dundee United at Parkhead. Celtic may only head the division for 24 hours as Rangers don't play until Wednesday night, nevertheless the Hoops have put down a marker that Rangers will have to earn the right to win the Championship.

The game was all about the result rather than the performance as Celtic found Dundee United in determined mood and Craig Levein's team will feel unlucky not to have taken a point after a spirited second half display.

The home side took the lead when Glenn Loovens headed in from a corner. Moments earlier Dundee almost scored as Sandaza saw his goal-bound header well saved by Artur Boruc.

For the remainder of the first period it was Celtic in the ascendancy but they failed to capitalise on their dominance.

Yet this seemed of little importance as the hosts doubled their lead early in the second half.

Dundee were unlucky as a Georgios Samaras shot took a wicked deflection of Lee Wilkie to leave keeper Lukasz Zaluska stranded.

But credit the visitor's for having the character to hit back almost immediately as David Robertson converted from close range.

This led to Celtic looking nervous and Dundee increasing in confidence but failing to take some of the decent chances that came their way.

United boss Craig Levein acknowledged his team's failings in front of goal, telling Setanta Sports: "Unfortunately we missed too many chances and if you get as many as we did at Celtic Park you need to take more than one.

"In the second half I don't think we were under any pressure and had some great opportunities, but that's why Celtic are the champions because they take them."