Celtic took the lead at Motherwell only for the home side to level matters with nine minutes remaining. A failure to take their chances means the champions now find themselves behind Rangers on goal difference at the top of the SPL.

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan was annoyed his team had not killed the game off.

He said: "It was nothing like a fair result. Absolutely not.

"One team got one shot on goal after us having so many chances and playing so well on a pitch that is not conducive to rugby, never mind football.

"We played some good football and made far more chances than them.

"We have won 3-1 and 4-2 here in the past and not made as many chances as we did.

"If you go through the team - Hinkel was excellent.

"Nakamura was magnificent. Brown was excellent and I think Gary Caldwell was voted man of the match.

"The centre halves didn't have a problem and Artur Boruc didn't have a save to make.

"Scott McDonald scored and to get all that and say it was a fair result, I don't know where you are coming from."

Strachan continued: "I asked my players to make chances and we did that, and played when we could play.

"At the moment we can't score goals from the chances we are making, it's as simple as that.

"The title will be decided by the team who scores more goals.

"We are not scoring as many goals this season and because Rangers are scoring more, they are top on goal difference.

"Two goals in three games from Scott isn't bad but the rest of the team will have to join in.

"Until we get that right, it's going to be a scrap for us.

"All we can do is keep making chances and dominating games as we did and it's up to people to finish."

Motherwell moved in to the top six to the delight of manager Mark McGhee.

"I am pleased to be in the top six. Psychologically, it's massive.

"We have gone on an unbelievable run in the league and that is because of the tenacity we showed.

"It vindicates what I was saying at the end of last year about injuries. I knew if we got players back then we would be fine.

"If we are within four points of third place when the split comes then we will have a chance."