Neil Warnock gives scathing Celtic verdict after Rangers draw as training match comparison made

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Celtic’s goalless draw at Ibrox on Sunday was not one of the derbies to remember.

On a frustrating afternoon for Brendan Rodgers, the match broke records for low chance creation, as a ponderous approach from both sides led to a lack of goalmouth action.

A disastrous night against Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan, in which Celtic also failed to score, had created a huge emphasis on the side to end the negativity with a derby day win – but it wasn’t to be.

An undeniable factor for Celtic was also a lack of attacking options, as Benjamin Nygren was forced to start the match in a less preferred right-wing position due to uncertainty over Yang Hyun-Jun’s performances and future.

Starting on the other side was former Aberdeen star Bojan Miovski, a player Neil Warnock knows well from his short stint in the North-East – Warnock did not enjoy watching the match, though.

READ MORE: Celtic should’ve signed Bojan Miovski says Peter Grant amid Kelechi Iheanacho question

Celtic game was so bad that Neil Warnock didn’t continue watching

Some of last year’s derby matches were tremendous contests – think of the Premier Sports Cup final, which finished 3-3 before Celtic sealed the trophy on penalties.

But for Warnock, speaking on TalkSport Breakfast, the drop-off has been particularly noticeable from Celtic – he even mentioned the selling of players.

“To be honest, I didn’t watch the second half. After the first half, I thought, ‘I can’t watch this.’

“Last year, there wasn’t anything at stake. I watched the game at the end of the season, and there wasn’t a tackle in an Old Firm. This game, I watched the first half, and I thought it was a practice game. In the European games as well, they’ve struggled.

“Last year, I thought it was as good a side as I’ve seen when I saw Celtic, with the forward play. Have they lost many? It’s sad, isn’t it?”

Of course, the quality of the match is less important than Celtic getting the result – but when neither of those thirsts are being quenched, it certainly isn’t ideal.

Celtic facing major problems in front of goal at the moment

Brendan Rodgers is quick to describe his football as fast, attacking and aggressive – he made sure to restate this after the match on Sunday.

However, with his side having now failed to score in seven of their last eight halves of football, as well as a period of extra-time, this is not what is being delivered currently.

It is well-known that Rodgers is not the sole cause of these troubles, with Celtic fans sending clear messages of discontent to the club’s hierarchy.

However, with the Europa League squad confirmed and the transfer window closed, the 52-year-old will have to make do with the squad he has – regardless of how unsatisfactory transfer business has been.