An 87th minute header by Marco Pinalto denied Celtic a famous win following a wonder goal from Conor McManus.
The Italians celebrated like they had won the Champions League as they escaped with a point from Livingston in a match that the young hoops dominated.
In front of a nationwide audience tuned in via Eurosport the young hoops showcased their ability with only that last gasp header from Pinato denying them the points their display deserved.
Celtic were on familiar lines starting with the XI that started both matches against Ajax.
Right from the first whistle it was an evenly contested match with the visitors looking the stronger, more physical side.
Celtic were comfortable on the ball in all areas with the back four relaxed in possession as they knocked the ball around with Jamie Lindsay and Conor McManus happy to drop back to pick up possession.
There wasn’t the same number of chances as Celtic had enjoyed in the 4-1 win over Ajax but it was an absorbing encounter played with the sort of respect that both teams show each other at first team level.
Paul McMullan was the main threat to the Milan defence with his trickery down the left but weight of numbers from the visitors prevented the winger from making his talent tell.
Seven minutes into the second half Celtic took the lead with a strike that McManus won’t forget whatever he achieves in his career.
Goalkeeper Lorenzo Andrenacci seemed to have cleared the threat when he punched a cross ball clear from the edge of the penalty box. McManus’ hopeful punt back at goal from 40 yards seemed certain to fly over but was held up in the wind dropping perfectly under the crossbar as Andrenacci raced back to his line.
Three minutes later the lead could have been doubled when Henderson sent a curling 20 yard effort crashing against the crossbar.
Celtic refused to sit back on their lead with Joe Thomson finding the net from a parried McMullan shot but his celebrations were cut short by an offside flag from the linesman.
Three minutes from time Pinato did what Italian teams have sopecialised in down the years when he sent a low header wide of Max Oberschmidt to snatch a barely deserved point.
CELTIC: Oberschmidt: Kidd, O’Connell, Findlay, McIlduff: Thomson, Lindsay, Henderson, McManus: McMullan, Johnstone
SUBS: Hart, Hoareau, Donnelly, McLaren, Tierney, Kelleher, Calvin
just back from game – thought the young guns were tremendous – maybe defended a wee bit too deep towards the end – 2 goals disallowed – oh for tv replay, especially the 2nd one – Big Bhoys tonight, if we go ahead please dont start to defend too deep!!