SPL round-up: Celtic manager Gordon Strachan blamed the Scottish Premier League's under-21 rule for his omission of Republic of Ireland midfielder Aiden McGeady in the 2-2 draw against Dundee United at Parkhead.

McGeady returned this week to training after being suspended from first-team duties for a fortnight and fined two weeks' wages following a dressing room bust-up with Strachan in the wake of last month's 1-1 draw with Hearts.

McGeady failed to even make the bench for the visit of United, fuelling speculation about his future at Celtic Park.

However, Strachan pointed to the SPL rule that dictates three outfield players of 21 or under should be in each match-day squad.

Asked the reasons why McGeady was missing, Strachan replied: "The reasons are that I wanted to stay faithful with the squad that played so well in the last two games.

"Also, everyone knows about this under-21 rule which we have complained about consistently since I have come here — as have other managers — but there is no change."

McGeady looked to be no big loss when Georgios Samaras scored in the 12th and 57th minutes to give the champions what looked like to be a comfortable lead.

However, in a dramatic turnaround, Paul Dixon reduced the deficit on the hour mark with a wonderful free-kick and Warren Feeney, on for Danny Swanson, grabbed a dramatic 77th-minute equaliser.

Celtic go eight points clear over Rangers at the summit but the Ibrox men have the chance to reduce the deficit to five when they take on Inverness tomorrow.

Strachan claims his side stopped playing "common-sense football" after scoring their second goal.