Celtic wasted a chance to move clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premier League as the Hoops were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by struggling Falkirk yesterday.

Tony Mowbray's side were in danger of an embarrassing defeat at Falkirk Stadium after Scott Arfield's penalty and a Pedro Moutinho strike in the second half erased Gary Caldwell's opener.

Celtic, who had already seen Aiden McGeady's first-half penalty saved, hit back through Australia striker Scott McDonald, who struck twice in seven minutes after coming off the bench.

Yet the Glasgow club couldn't hold on as Falkirk substitute Mark Stewart equalised with seven minutes left to leave Celtic just two points ahead of second-placed Rangers, who have a game in hand.

Mowbray put this latest blip down to an exacting trip to Hamburg for Thursday's Europa League match which ended goalless.

"It was a tired performance from us," he said.

"It was probably as poor as we've been this season and the team didn't play well in the first half. It was the same defence which kept a clean sheet in Hamburg but mentally it was a tough day for the team.

"Yet, if we want to take a positive, the team tried to rally themselves from a losing position and showed great endeavour to get back into a winning position."

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