SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE:CELTIC passed up the chance to leapfrog rivals Rangers at the top the table as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Celtic Park on Saturday.

In the lunchtime kick-off, Walter Smith’s Rangers were held to a goalless draw by Motherwell at Fir Park but Celtic failed to capitalise and remain in second place on goal difference.

Tannadice striker David Goodwillie drove the visitors into the lead in the sixth minute but Celtic striker Scott McDonald equalised in the 17th minute when he headed in a Danny Fox free-kick from close range.

United midfielder Scott Robertson was sent off three minutes from the end after picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Celtic substitute Georgios Samaras.

Earlier Allan McGregor came to the rescue of 10-man Rangers with a superb penalty save to prevent the Scottish champions slumping to defeat against Motherwell.

Madjid Bougherra was dismissed for two bookable offences after conceding the spot-kick but McGregor ensured Rangers left Fir Park with a point from a goalless draw when he blocked the spot-kick from Jim O’Brien.

However, his efforts were not enough to maintain Rangers’ 100 per cent record in the league ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League opener against Stuttgart.

Elsewhere goalkeeper Paul Gallacher earned St Mirren a 1-1 draw at St Mirren Park as St Johnstone rued a series of second-half misses.

Gallacher pulled off great saves from Murray Davidson and Chris Millar, who both struck the bar.