Scott Brown insists the title race remains in the balance despite Celtic's goalless draw against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday which puts them in the driving seat.
In a game which only came to life in the second half, the Hoops missed the chance to take all three Clydesdale Bank Premier League points when Light Blues keeper Allan McGregor brilliantly saved a late Georgios Samaras penalty. Neil Lennon's side remain one point behind the champions but with a game in hand which could be crucial.
"I think it is still wide open," said Celtic skipper Brown. "There are a lot of games to play and it will be a hard run-in."
He added: "I thought we played really well and stood up to everything Rangers threw at us. I think on the day we were probably the better team. But if you had asked anyone, we would have taken one point before the game, that's for sure."
It was the seventh meeting between the two sides this season and Brown agreed with manager Lennon in saying that he had had enough of the fixture.
The former Hibernian midfielder admitted that the Glasgow derby is mentally more than physically draining.
"Seven games in one season (against Rangers) is definitely enough for anyone," said the Scotland midfielder. "It has been close to be fair. We have won three and been beaten twice so it's a close contest.
"The build-up is frightening as are the fans' execrations but at the end of the day it was an entertaining game."
There were no recriminations for Samaras who, once again, was preferred to Stokes for a game against Rangers. The Greece striker had scored from the spot at Ibrox in a 2-0 win at the start of the year but McGregor guessed right this time, diving to his left to push a well-struck penalty behind the post.
"Sometimes you miss penalties," said Brown. "It's part and parcel of the game and it was a great save by Allan. I'm sure (Samaras) will step up the next time and score."
Source: PA
