Less than two minutes had gone when Hartson hooked the ball back across goal from Stilian Petrov’s cross, Thompson returned it into the box again and Larsson to forced it home with his knee from barely a couple of yards out.

But Emile Heskey’s 17th-minute equaliser set the standard for Liverpool.

Liverpool were now in the game and they were being allowed to play in areas which had previously found men in hoops snapping at their heels.

Celtic then took off the injured Thompson and sent on winger Steve Guppy after 26 minutes, with the game being played more and more in the home side’s half.

England midfielder Gerrard came more into the game, springing from deep positions and roaming, making him hard to pick up.

However, Gerrard’s England team-mate Owen was fighting almost a lone battle up front against Bobo Balde and Johan Mjallby.

Celtic got back into the game in the second half.

The Hoops almost took advantage of a Traore slip which sent Hartson away, his pass finding Larsson, but Jerzy Dudek produced a fine save at his feet.

Liverpool's counter-attacks continued to cause problems, particularly down the right.

In the 62nd minute Gerrard sent Diouf away and when his cross came in Heskey had arrived 10 yards out – but his control was disrupted by Douglas’ dive at his feet, the ball bobbling wide.

Diouf was getting into good positions and almost created another chance for Heskey, who skied the ball over the bar.

Celtic were getting plenty of the ball but being kept at arms length - although in the 70th minute Petrov was booked for a foul on Heskey.

Heskey’s touch in the 75th minute found Owen in space – but he saw his shot sail past the near post.

Larsson, starting to looked tired by now after his month out, was replaced a minute later by Lambert.

Sutton was now back up front alongside Hartson, and provided a more obvious and stronger target.

But the danger was still the breakaway – and Riise almost got away before being clipped by Guppy, who was booked 10 minutes from time.

Celtic still kept coming forward, though, with Guppy down one side and Smith on the other – as they probed for the opening or lack of concentration that could be exploited.

There was a problem with Diouf near the end when he fell into the crowd after a run on the right.

As he ran back onto the pitch he appeared to spit at the Celtic fans – and a couple of enraged spectators in that area were led away by stewards.

Diouf was substituted soon after by Igor Biscan and was led straight down the tunnel rather than sitting in the dugout.