FROM NEIL DOHERTY IN ABERDEEN: CELTIC’S 17-match SPL winning streak came to an end here at Pittodrie today with Hoops manager Neil Lennon blaming midweek internationals for the draw.
But Rangers dismal run continued on and off the pitch. They were beaten 2-1 at Ibrox by Hearts – with several players about to be fired on Monday as the administrators of the club can’t pay their wages. It’s understood Ally McCoist won’t be paid for the rest of the season either.
Celtic’s 1-1 draw at Aberdeen then puts them 21 points clear.
But Lennon wasn’t happy with the SPL.
“These players had one day recovery from Wednesday night and travelling,” he said after the draw.
“For the game to be scheduled with 15 players away, it was always going to be a big ask.”
Anthony Stokes’ great finish in the 28th minute was cancelled out on the stroke of half-time by Celtic’s debutant Andre Blackman, who put the ball into the back of his own net after attempting to clear a Gavin Rae shot.
“Aberdeen were fine, but I felt if the game had been a day later, we would have been much more at ourselves,” said Neil.
“We scored a great goal and lost an own-goal to a deflection. But I’m immensely proud of the way the players have handled things over the last few months.
“We’ve got a big month coming up and we should be a lot stronger for next week.”
Celtic remain in contention for a domestic treble, but Lennon insisted he would continue to take one game at a time and concentrate on the forthcoming match against Dundee United at Tannadice in the Scottish Cup.
“We’ve been on a fantastic run, and the players and supporters should be immensely proud of it,” said Lennon.
“We have a month of good games to look forward to, and I’m sure you’ll see us at our best.
“We’ll get on with what we’re doing and I’ve enjoyed watching them play. Today wasn’t one of our better days, but we’ve come away with a decent point.
“We don’t play again until Sunday, so that’ll give the players a chance to recover.”
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