Ladbrokes Premiership

CELTIC 1

KILMARNOCK 1

SPIRITED Kilmarnock took their second point from the Old Firm inside four days as they battled back to hold the record-equalling champions at Celtic Park.

And later proud manager Steve Clarke hailed the players for their self belief as they returned from Glasgow with a draw against a home side who matched their own British domestic unbeaten record of 62 games.

Clarke, whose team drew 1-1 with Rangers at Ibrox last Wednesday said afterwards: "I've never gone into a game thinking I was going to lose. There is always a chance of upsets. If you don't have that belief there's no point in playing and that has been my message to the players over the last couple of games. They have shown that self belief which is great for us going forward.

"All I've done is introduce one or two principles - a lot of organisation. When you've got an honest bunch of players, which I think I've been lucky to inherit, you've always got a chance."

Back to the action and Celtic made the breakthrough just before half-time when Eboue Koussai won the ball in his own half and delivered a pass which enabled Leigh Griffiths who ran in behind the defence and sent a first-time shot out of goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald's reach.

Killie picked themselves up quickly after the break and blasted right back into the match on the hour when Jordan Jones stormed into the Celtic half and cracked a shot off bottom of the post and the Northern Irish international exchanged passes with Rory McKenzie before whipping an effort beyond Craig Gordon.

Celtic had a lot of possession for the remainder of the match but created very few chances, with Killie holding them at bay and clinching what could be an important point.

KILMARNOCK: MacDonald; O'Donnell, Broadfoot, Greer, Findlay, McKenzie, Power, Taylor (Waters 90); Burke (Thomas 64), Jones, Erwin (Brophy 72). Subs not used: K Boyd, S Boyd.

STARMAN: Jordan Jones 3

Stephen O'Donnell 2

Jamie MacDonald 1.