Celtic fail to break down stubborn Dundee United

Celtic dropped William Hill Premiership points for only the second time this season in a goalless draw against diligent Dundee United.

In his first match at Tannadice as Hoops boss, Brendan Rodgers watched his much-changed side dominate possession for the vast majority of the game but fail to find a way past a resolute home defence.

It was the first points dropped since a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen in October and means Celtic finished the day nine points ahead of Rangers at the top of the table.

United boss Jim Goodwin will be delighted with his side's fortitude in fighting for a point.

Celtic remain unbeaten domestically this season and still hold a healthy advantage at the top as they prepare for home games against Motherwell and St Johnstone before the Old Firm clash against Rangers at Ibrox on January 2.

Rodgers rang the changes following the exhausting Premier Sports Cup final win over the Light Blues last weekend and in came Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, Liam Scales, Luke McCowan and Yang Hyun-jun.

Paulo Bernardo was among the substitute, but there was no sign of Nicolas Kuhn, injured Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers or Auston Trusty, the latter two declared ill by Rodgers before the game.

United showed three changes, with Will Ferry, Kai Fotheringham and Miller Thomson reinstated, while the league's top-scorer Sam Dalby, with eight goals in nine games, led the line.

The Wrexham loanee and his team-mates had to do the chasing as Celtic inevitably took control of the ball.

In the 10th minute Parkhead attacker Daizen Maeda set up midfielder Reo Hatate with a clever flick, but his low drive from 16 yards beat the far post.

Former Dundee star McCowan was next to try his luck with a 25-yard drive which whistled past