SPL: Celtic’s crown, admits Numan

Rangers’ goalscorer Arthur Numan today conceded the Scottish Premier League title to Celtic despite a 1-1 Old Firm draw at Ibrox.

Numan’s outstanding second-half strike levelled an opening goal from Celtic’s Stilian Petrov.

But it could do nothing to cut the Bhoys’ 10-point lead at the top of the table, and the Dutchman was in no mood to claim it was enough to give Rangers a lifeline in what looks a one-horse race for the championship.

Responding to the suggestion Celtic have the title in the bag, Numan said: ‘‘I think that is right.

‘‘You have to be honest with yourself. Before the game, we knew we had to get three points today.

‘‘I think we were the better team in the second half.

‘‘We tried to find space and up front to create some chances. But we only got chances outside the box, and that is not enough.

‘‘In the second half we did everything we could, but it was not enough.’’

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill was ‘‘delighted’’ with the point away from home against his team’s only credible challengers.

But he was not ready to agree with Numan that the league championship is all over bar the shouting.

Asked if he was prepared to claim the title is now as good as won, he said: ‘‘I would not be. We have got a lead and a game in hand and we must go and put that to bed.

‘‘Not to lose a game at Ibrox was a big boost for us. I am delighted. We defended very strongly and deserved to get something out of the game,’’ he told Sky Sports.