RARELY has there been an Old Firm clash where it seemed like both teams would be content with a point.
But as the clock ticked down today at Ibrox, it would be hard to argue that some of the players on the pitch would’ve been happy to hear the whistle go early.
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Rangers and Celtic played out a tense and turgid 0-0 draw in Govan, and the lack of excitement is reflected in our player ratings.
SunSport’s David Friel and Derek McGregor have run their eye over the two sides and have given their verdicts on each player who took to the field.
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers admitted the game was a “brutal” watch and former Celts manager Neil Lennon was RAGING when three minutes of added time was announced.
Without further ado, do you agree with our writers’ ratings?
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Jack Butland
Nothing to do in the first half but was slightly busier after the break with a couple of routine saves. Kicking was fine even when put under needless pressure…7
James Tavernier
Captain was restored to the team and ensured Celtic debutant Michel-Ange Balikwisha did nothing. Long throws caused problems at times and he wasn’t troubled defensively…7
Nasser Djiga
Played himself into trouble numerous times and needs to learn when to take chances on the ball, but defended pretty well overall. Booked for clattering Shin Yamada…6
John Souttar
Defender’s first-half header was ruled out for offside after he went slightly early. Solid defensively as Celtic’s strikers offered absolutely nothing…7
Jayden Meghoma
Huge occasion for the teenager and he handled it well. Kept Benjamin Nygren quiet and then did a good job on James Forrest. Promising derby debut…7
Connor Barron
Big chance for the midfielder and he took it. Rangers star covered the ground, got on the ball and snapped into tackles. Should stay in team on this evidence…7
Mohamed Diomande
Back in from the start to provide energy in the middle of the park and did that. Running battle with Arne Engels and landed a booking for too many fouls…7
Thelo Aasgaard
Operated in an advanced midfield role and did a decent job in keeping Callum McGregor quiet – but couldn’t create anything for Gers. Limped off…5
Djeidi Gassama
Fascinating tussle with Kieran Tierney on the wing as they went at it. Got the better of him in a real second-half opening but his cross had no takers...6
Bojan Miovski
Quickfire debut for the new Gers striker and he was rightly denied an early penalty claim. Worked hard but didn’t get a sight of goal before being taken off…6
Mikey Moore
Massive chance for the Spurs loanee but he couldn’t really make an impact in the final third. Worked hard for the team. Booked and subbed…6
SUBS: Cyriel Dessers (3) was this his last Gers outing? Oliver Antman (3) couldn’t impact the game. Nedim Bajrami (3) tried to create but didn’t come off. Joe Rothwell (3) on for the injured Barron. Findlay Curtis (5) made an impact with positive play and drive.
By David Friel
Kasper Schmeichel
Had to be relieved Gers goal was disallowed because he didn’t look clever from Tavernier’s delivery. But his quietest derby yet. Not a save to make…5
Tony Ralston
Recovered from an ankle injury and produced a solid right-back display. Dealt comfortably with Mikey Moore. More defending than overlapping…7
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Powered his way through the game and was barely flustered. Didn’t carry ball forward like he can but didn’t put foot wrong…7
Liam Scales
Survived a Miovski penalty claim with ref Don Robertson backing him. Correct call. Suffered ankle knock but showed mettle in resolute show…7
Kieran Tierney
Once again didn’t play 90 minutes, subbed after 72. But other than one moment Gassama flew past him he was untroubled. Overhead kick saved. Subbed…6
Callum McGregor
More about digging in for Hoops skipper than silky midfield play. Never shirked from tackles. Tried to initiate attacks but showed another side…6
Arne Engels
Brief moments of class but a tough game for the Belgian who never quite got going. Worked hard, good team display. But you’re looking for more. Subbed…5
Benjamin Nygren
Started wide right, then moved into central midfield in second half. Like Engels not enough creativity from him. But now knows what Old Firm’s about…5
Reo Hatate
Now a relative derby veteran and he produced first of only two Celts shots on target. Tried hard to find pockets of space. Showed a gritty side. Tireless. Subbed…6
Daizen Maeda
It’s possibly the hardest period of his Celtic career. Ran about plenty but this was another game he’ll happily forget. Not a sniff of a chance…5
Michel-Ange Balikwisha
Thrown into the deep end, the £4.5million attacker disappointingly passed up several chances to run at Tavernier. Got 65 minutes, subbed…5
Read more on the Scottish Sun
SUBS: James Forrest (4) got the last 25 minutes to inject a spark into Hoops attack and the veteran tried hard without much joy; Shin Yamada (4) put himself about against the bustling Djiga and took some kicks; Marcelo Saracchi (4) did well in a brief debut cameo; Luke McCowan (2) didn’t get enough time to make a mark.
By Derek McGregor
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