Celtic threw away two points in injury-time against Hibs
Kris Boyd has delivered a strongly-worded criticism of Celtic’s defence following Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Hibs.
David Turnbull’s superb 81st-minute free-kick appeared to have won the three points for Celtic, but Kevin Nisbet pounced in injury-time to clinch a point for Hibs.
It was an underwhelming performance from Celtic in an attacking sense, with only seven touches completed in their opponents’ box.
That could largely be explained by the absence of Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths among others, with a total of 13 Celtic players having to self-isolate following Christopher Jullien’s positive test.
Former Rangers striker Boyd’s fiercest criticism was reserved for goalkeeper Conor Hazard and the defence, with the late equaliser leading to some damning comments from the former Rangers striker.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Boyd said: “It’s another set-piece catastrophe from Celtic, when you look at the defending.
“Teams must be looking at Celtic right now and saying this is an area where they can get at them.
“I mean it is, it’s pathetic defending to be honest. The goalkeeper’s all over the place. Shane Duffy, I’m not quite sure what he’s doing there.
“Yes, there’s bodies there, but from a striker’s point of view, Kevin Nisbet will be delighted to get on the scoresheet, but if you look at the goalkeeper, Shane Duffy, (Diego) Laxalt and I think it’s (Callum) McGregor there, it’s terrible defending.
“It’s let slip what would have been a massive three points for Celtic here tonight.
“It was a great free-kick to get Celtic ahead. There wasn’t much between the two teams.
“I think I’ll give Hibs a lot of credit as well because their defending has not been great in recent weeks, and I thought tonight Hibs looked as if they were pretty solid, and it took that unbelievable free-kick from David Turnbull to break the deadlock.”
Referring to the Celtic defence, former Hibs manager Alan Stubbs added: “It’s an area where they’ve been found wanting all season. They’ve conceded far too many goals from set-pieces.”
The draw leaves Celtic 21 points behind in the title race, albeit with three games in hand.
Neil Lennon’s men face Livingston at Celtic Park on Saturday, before Rangers take on Motherwell at Fir Park the following day.
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