Bhoys in revolt after ‘Well sinking

CELTIC’S season slipped further into crisis this weekend after a dire home defeat to Motherwell was accompanied by two player revolts at Parkhead.

Twenty-four hours after Scott McDonald flung his shirt to the floor in disgust at being substituted by Gordon Strachan in the 1-0 reverse to Well, strike partner Derek Riordan launched a fierce attack on Strachan, suggesting he was “talking rubbish” by claiming he is still in his first-team plans.

Riordan was signed in June 2006 after scoring 64 goals in 146 appearances for Hibs but has failed to make an impact at Parkhead.

The 25-year-old could not even find a place on the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Motherwell which all but ended their title hopes.

“I only get chucked on when we need a goal so he must think I can get him one,” Riordan said.

“But he obviously doesn’t want to do it unless he really has to because he doesn’t want me to prove him wrong.

“When I speak to him, he’s nice to me and says all the things that players want to hear about me being part of his plans but you know by his actions that he is talking rubbish.

“I’ve virtually chucked it at Celtic, what’s the point when I’m not getting a chance?

“I feel let down by the manager.”

Strachan has yet to respond but he did reveal McDonald apologised after his touchline tantrum on Saturday.

The Australian, Celtic’s top scorer this season, reacted volcanically when he was replaced by Georgios Samaras — a decision that was also greeted by boos from the home fans.

Strachan’s mood was hardly improved by seeing Walter Smith’s Rangers snatch a 3-3 draw with Dundee United yesterday and extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points ahead of Wednesday’s Old Firm derby.

“Everyone was quick to say that last week’s (Old Firm) game was a league decider and I was quick to point out that we do have to play other teams,” said Walter Smith.

“There was always going to be points dropped against other sides, never mind each other.”

United took the lead three times through Christian Kalvenes, Noel Hunt and a Carlos Cuellar own goal but were pegged back each time thanks to goals from David Weir, Nacho Novo and Kris Boyd.