Celtic held by Leeds
Celtic 0 Leeds 0
Gordon Strachan finally heard his name being chanted at Celtic Park today - but ironically the show of admiration came from the travelling contingent after their fourth pre-season draw.
The Hoops supporters are taking time to warm to the successor of departed hero Martin O’Neill and they still need a lot of convincing as they go into this week’s crucial Champions League qualifier with Artmedia Bratislava without a single victory in their warm-up campaign.
It is perhaps unfair to be over critical about this goalless draw as Strachan played a team of youngsters with the tricky midweek trip to Slovakia on the horizon but it must be a worry after uninspiring draws with Fulham, Leicester, Sporting Lisbon and Leeds.
The Scot opted to rest Chris Sutton, Neil Lennon, John Hartson and Stilian Petrov but fans got their first glimpse of new signing Paul Telfer and would have gone away encouraged by the rock-solid performance of on-loan Polish goalkeeper Artur Boruc.
But there was little else to get excited about although the youngsters. who were keen to impress, came within inches of taking the lead in the ninth minute.
Aiden McGeady’s corner fell to Stephen McManus and he blasted the ball towards goal on the volley and Leeds captain Gary Kelly deflected the ball onto the post.
Celtic still had the experience of Bobo Balde and Stanislav Varga in defence but the Slovakian was guilty of missing a glorious chance to put Celtic ahead after 11 minutes.
McGeady cut inside with a trademark trick and chipped the ball onto the head of the former Sunderland man but he headed against the crossbar from just six yards and McManus then thundered his drive over from inside the area.
That sparked a reaction from the disappointing turn-out of 15,000 home fans and their opposing supporters attempted to goad them further by singing Rule Britannia and Rangers songs.
Strachan brought on Alan Thompson for Balde at the break but Kevin Blackwell’s men were the first to threaten after the break when former Manchester United youngster David Healy let fly with a dipping long-range effort which Boruc made look so easy.
Robbie Burke then flashed a low effort wide and Ian Bennett comfortably saved Maloney’s 25-yard free-kick after Strachan had brought on Maciej Zurawski for Craig Beattie.
Promising young midfielder Michael Gardyne tried to give Celtic a confidence-boosting win to take to eastern Europe in the 82nd minute but he sent his right-foot strike hurtling past the post.
