Strachan bemoans lack of cutting edge

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan insists a goal was the only thing missing from his side's performance in the 0-0 draw against Dundee United at Parkhead which struck a blow to the Hoops' chances of retaining their Clydesdale Bank Premier League title.

The champions went into the game knowing victory would close the gap on leaders Rangers to one point but despite having the bulk of possession and hitting the woodwork twice in the first half through Shunsuke Nakamura and Scott McDonald, they had to settle for a point.

Strachan said: "We had a good start and had good possession but never capitalised on that."

He added: "We did the same in the second half and I didn't think the opposing team would score against us.

"I thought it was a matter of time before we got a goal but we didn't have enough in the locker to finish off the moves that we had, so you get a zero-zero.

"Shunsuke Nakamura and Gary Caldwell were magnificent, Andreas Hinkel did very well, Lee Naylor came on to a game and Aiden McGeady showed some good stuff so there lots of positives to take.

"The only negative I can take is that we didn't score.

"But fair play to Dundee United - they had some good blocks and headers."