Celtic miss chance to pull clear of Rangers

Celtic wasted a chance to pull clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premier League after the leaders were held to a 1-1 draw at Hearts on Saturday.

Gordon Strachan’s side could have moved six points clear of second-placed Rangers with a victory at Tynecastle, but they had to settle for a four-point lead after Bruno Aguiar cancelled out Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink’s first minute opener for the champions.

After successive 4-0 wins over Hamilton and Falkirk, Celtic found it hard to hit top form again and Rangers can close the gap at the top to one point with a win over Motherwell at Ibrox later on Saturday.

Strachan had sprung a pre-match surprise as he left Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura on the bench, while Lee Naylor and Vennegoor of Hesselink came in for the injured Darren O’Dea and Georgios Samaras.

Celtic made a dream start when Vennegoor of Hesselink volleyed home his third goal in eight days inside 30 seconds.

Andreas Hinkel crossed towards the Dutchman, who hooked his shot into the corner past Hearts keeper Janos Balogh’s weak attempted save.

Hearts tried to mount an immediate response with Marius Zaliukas heading over from a Ruben Palazuelos cross.

But Vennegoor of Hesselink was giving the Hearts defence a torrid time. After sharp interplay with Scott McDonald, the Dutchman fired beyond the far post.

Then he got his head to Lee Naylor’s near-post corner, only to see his effort bounce off the woodwork.

Just as Celtic were taking control, Aguiar hit a spectacular equaliser in the 32nd minute.

Michael Stewart won a foul 30 yards out and Aguiar curled the free-kick over the wall and into the corner with Artur Boruc well beaten.

Celtic defender Stephen McManus was forced off with an injury at half-time and Hearts tried to take advantage with a fast start after the interval.

Zaliukas shot narrowly wide from 20 yards after a powerful run and Calum Elliot should have done better than fire a low cross into Boruc’s hands after Michael Stewart’s pass had sent him clear in the left channel.

Nakamura came on for Willo Flood soon after and immediately fired in a free-kick that appeared to strike Elliot on the hand in the penalty area, but referee Craig Thomson waved away their appeals.

Balogh got down well to hold a powerful long-range drive by Nakamura, whose compatriot Koki Mizuno replaced Aiden McGeady with eight minutes left.

Nakamura’s curling effort was forced just wide by a brilliant block from Zaliukas after Naylor had set up his team-mate.

Mizuno blasted wide after a long throw fell perfectly for him 12 yards out as Celtic failed to find a late winner.