Celtic prove they're no Champions League pretenders as stars' full time reaction tells the story - big match verdict

Ange Postecoglou always knew it would be tough graft at the Champions League coal face. But his young stars have untapped reserves of talent.

And after digging in to dominate the miners of Shakhtar Donetsk, there are clear signs something positive can be carved out of Group F. Postecoglou’s men are up and running in the section with a point after a strong show in Warsaw. But it should have been all three with the Hoops missing several chances.

New to the environment, they looked totally at ease. The only disappointment from the display was a failure to get the win they merited. Having bossed the contest from almost start to finish and taken the lead through a Reo Hatate -induced own goal, they were made to pay for one slack period before half-time when an equaliser was conceded. Shakhtar’s £30million-rated superkid Mykhaylo Mudryk raced into the box and blasted past Joe Hart. It was a ruthless setback and such a tough pill to swallow for Postecoglou. At full-time, it must have felt sore.

A huge opportunity to win was not taken. A rake of chances created on top of the goal and gilt-edged openings missed at the finale by subs Giorgos Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda.

While the defeat to Real Madrid in their opening game brought a host of plaudits and praise, this was about points to take back to Parkhead. Something tangible from the type of contest and opposition where Postecoglou’s team are realistically looking to make inroads.

Shakhtar are potential spoilers of the section. Their 4-1 humbling of RB Leipzig in Germany on Matchday One singled them out as a danger. But Celtic had every answer to them. There was so much to like and in the cold light of day, it’s a Champions League point away from home.

Again, it’s