SPL: All square in Old Firm at interval

Celtic 1, Rangers 1 (half-time)

Alan Thompson kept alive Celtic’s hopes of making history with a vital equaliser just before the half-time interval in this morning’s Old Firm derby clash at Parkhead.

Peter Lovenkrands had given Rangers the lead and they had the chances to be further ahead at the break before the England midfielder continued his nack of scoring vital goals.

Rangers were again claiming a penalty in the 24th minute as Lovenkrands went down under the challenge of Crainey after a great through ball from Christian Nerlinger.

But Clark again rightly waved away protests as the youngster appeared to win the ball while the Dane was given a stern talking to by the official for over doing his reaction.

Celtic were being put under more pressure than they have been under all season and Ricksen should have done better in the 25th minute when he volleyed Latapy’s clever corner wide of the post.

Paul Lambert let his frustrations run away with him four minutes later when he was needlessly booked for a late challenge on Lovenkrands.

Celtic started to lose their way and almost fell further behind in the 35th minute.

Kanchelskis burst down the right and picked out the unmarked Latapy, who curled a right-foot effort just past the post.

Boyd became the next player booked after another off-the-ball incident before Moravcik curled a free-kick just over the bar.

But Celtic were on level terms just two minutes before the break to send them in at the interval in a better frame of mind.

Moravcik headed Didier Agathe’s cross into the danger area and John Hartson squared to Thompson, who coolly side footed the ball past Stefan Klos from close range.