Football: LOO MUST BE JOKING, STRACHAN

CELTIC 3

Hartson 9, Zurawski 49, Petrov 67

DUNDEE UTD 3

Fernandez 40, 86, Miller 82,

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan admits he was about to deploy Roy Keane in a defensive role to hold their advantage against Dundee United - but the Hoops star had nipped to the toilet.

The Parkhead side were 3-1 ahead and looked set to take all three points from the Bank of Scotland Premier League match at Parkhead.

But, just as Keane returned from the little Bhoys' room and was ready to be thrown into the action, United stunned their hosts by pulling a goal back, before grabbing a late equaliser.

Explaining the substitution that never was, Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said: "At the first point when we were going to put Roy on, he disappeared to the toilet. We had one plan at 3-1 and another plan at 3-2.

"But, by the time we had spoken to Roy about that one, another goal had gone in and I had to keep on all my attackers.

"It was going to be a shutting up job at 3-1 but we didn't have the time to get him on.

"It's happened before. It's not Roy's fault, it was still 3-1 when he came back and, just as we were trying to get him on, the goal went in.

"I felt a bit sorry for him but he has taken it well." John Hartson grabbed the opener after just nine minutes and, although that was cancelled out by David Fernandez, Celtic looked set to take all three points thanks to goals from Maciej Zurawski and Stilian Petrov.

But substitute Lee Miller pulled a goal back for United within a couple of minutes of being on the park before former Celt Fernandez snatched a late equaliser.

Amazingly, his double was the first time he had ever scored at Parkhead - despite spending three years at Celtic - but he admits celebrating was the last thing on his mind.

Fernandez said: "I'd rather score against other teams, it's not the best feeling, but that's my job.

"It was a weird feeling. I was here for three years and I know I didn't play that much but I have friends here and the fans have been kind to me, so I have to respect them. "It's a great club and I have great memories."

Dundee United player-manager Craig Brewster believes he is seeing signs of progress after two years at the helm.

He said: "To be 3-1 down at Parkhead and to come away with a point, I've got to be pleased with that.

"After the first goal, you're hoping it's not going to be one of those days but the football after that was terrific.

"We showed a bit of character and I said that's the belief we need, to work hard for each other. Then we can progress."

MAN OF THE MATCH

DAVID FERNANDEZ

Full of invention and two goals.

CELTIC: Boruc 7, Wilson 7, Varga 6, Virgo 6, Wallace 6, Maloney 6, Lennon 7, Petrov 7, Nakamura 6 (Pearson 3), Hartson 6, Zurawski 7.

DUNDEE UNITED: Stillie 7, Duff 7, Archibald 6, McCracken 6, Robson 6, Brebner 7, Kerr 7, McInnes 6 (Miller 3), McIntyre 7, Samuel 6, FERNANDEZ 8 (Goodwillie 3).

MANAGERS: Strachan 6' Brewster 7

REFEREE: M Ritchie 6

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