Martin O'Neill insists he was content to take a point from Celtic's 2-2 draw with Dundee United, even though the result meant his side missed the chance to open up a bigger lead at the top of the table.
Celtic came from 2-1 down to secure the draw thanks to Liam Scales' equaliser, but could not find a winner. The result proved less costly when rivals Rangers and Hearts played out a stalemate at Tynecastle.
O'Neill's Verdict on the Draw
O'Neill said: "We can't control anything that is happening elsewhere. The disappointment and frustration comes from not winning a home game - that's it. But considering the trials and tribulations of the last number of weeks, I am not totally dissatisfied."
He added: "We were very strong in the second half. We conceded some poor goals but we fought back and I thought we were going to win it. But we also could have lost it as United were very dangerous on the break. They played well but there is frustration that we didn't get the winner - but who is to say it might be a good point at the end of the season."
Striker Substituted at Half-Time
O'Neill replaced Kasper Hogh at the interval after the £11m Danish striker reached 13 games without a goal. The manager admitted the forward could have benefited from the service provided by substitutes Jota and Haissem Hassan in the second half.
O'Neill said: "Kasper worked hard and set up the first goal but we wanted a change with the two wide players. He played a part in the goal and worked hard. Making the goal will give him a boost. But yeah, we put on two wide players and he is probably sitting frustrated at not playing a part in the second half. Sometimes you are gambling, but had a lot of the ball and Haissem Hassan was causing problems."
Jota's Impact and Defensive Concerns
Jota made a significant impact from the bench, showing signs of returning to his best form. However, O'Neill admitted the winger is still short of starting matches after 18 months out. He said: "That is still a little off at the moment. I had heard very good things about him from his first spell and it would be good if he could get back to that kind of form."
O'Neill also acknowledged that Celtic need to improve defensively, with just one clean sheet in their last eight games. He said: "Naturally, we can do better. We could have done better with the Dundee United goals. I think sometimes the lack of control comes from losing possession quite easily. Sometimes the move breaks down. Next thing you know, we're stranded."
He added: "Because we are essentially at Southwark Park controlling the game, controlling it. So we've pressed a lot of players forward. Centre half is moving into midfield and beyond. Next thing you know, if it breaks down, there is danger. So that's something that we have to try and eliminate."
