James McPake insists Celtic opener 'shouldn't have been a goal' as he points Livingston finger of blame

James McPake believes Celtic were fortunate to see their first goal against Livingston stand - as they shouldn't have had the corner which led to it.

Daizen Maeda put Celtic ahead after Anthony Ralston appeared to have won a corner off Livi's Jason Holt, but replays showed it was the right-back who touched the ball last before it went out of play.

Ange Postecoglou's side went on to win the Premiership match 3-1 thanks to Nicky Devlin's own goal and a James Forrest strike and, despite Andrew Shinnie pulling one back, while the Hoops go three points clear at the summit with eight games to go.

But former Dundee manager McPake says the goal that started it all should never have counted.

The ex Livingston player told Sky Sports: "There's no doubt about it. It's not a corner, but I also do believe Livi have got to deal with the set play better.

"It's good movement, it's good delivery, but it's not a corner and it shouldn't have been a goal."

While empathetic with his former club over the corner, McPake reckons Livingston manager David Martindale will be disappointed with how his side eventually tried to deal with what was thrown at them.

He added at full-time: "You can argue over whether it's not a corner. But at the end of the day, you have got to defend your box.

"Andrew Shinnie just switches off and he has no idea where the Celtic player is. (Maeda) is delighted to score.

"You need to go and deal with it. Livingston are normally really good at things like that so I am sure David will be really disappointed with that goal."