Ibrox club Rangers managed to hold Celtic to a point at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon.
Stephen Craigan has claimed in his BT Sport column that Rangers were more than deserving of their point against Old Firm rivals Celtic, and has criticised those that have laid into the Ibrox club since Saturday’s draw.
Celtic went into Saturday’s Old Firm derby as huge favourites, as they were expected to beat a side currently in third place behind Aberdeen. However, both sides had chances and could have easily won the game.
Had it not been for the performances of goalkeepers Wes Foderingham and Craig Gordon, the scoreline could have been a lot more colourful. Instead, the duo kept the score at 0-0.
Former Motherwell captain Craigan applauded Rangers for their grit and determination to earn a point, only the second time in eight meetings between the two sides that Celtic have failed to earn all three points since the Gers promotion.
“Everyone apart from the Rangers players, staff and supporters had the game down as a whitewash, myself included, yet they proved they have the stomach for a battle,” Craigan said.
“When you consider they have lost badly against Hamilton and St Johnstone at Ibrox this season, and were dreadful in the recent game against Kilmarnock, a point at Celtic Park wasn’t on the agenda for many.
“As much as I understand it’s only a draw for Rangers, it was hard earned and fully justified. It just shows football isn’t as predictable as we all think it is.”
Scott Sinclair and Alfredo Morelos were guilty of missing golden chances from close range throughout the match, which sees Celtic remain eight points clear of Aberdeen and 11 in front of Rangers.
The Gers are next in action competitively on January 21, as they face minnows Fraserburgh in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup before playing host to Derek McInnes’ Aberdeen on the 24th in what is a huge clash.
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