Celtic and St Johnstone served up an incredible 0-0 thriller that keeps alive the Perth side’s hops of winning a fourth successive season in the Europa League.
St Johnstone had the bulk of chances but couldn’t find their way past Lucasz Zaluska in what is likely to be the Pole’s last appearance in a Celtic jersey.
Without Craig Gordon, Virgil van Dijk and Emilio Izaguirre there was an unfamiliar look about the Celtic defence with St Johnstone having the upper hand for most of the match.
Kieran Tierney was given his first start and gave a good account of himself without really being given the chance to put in many of his trademark attacking runs down the flank.
Michael O’Halloran had a couple of early chances for the Saints but found Zaluska in top form although the ex-Bolton man passed up a great chance after 20 minutes when he headed wide from 6 yards out following a corner from the left.
Celtic threatened on a few occasions but were let down by the final ball around the penalty box although Scott Brown did have a header cleared off the line six minutes from the break.
A minute from the interval Kris Commons picked up a bizarre booking. As Crawford Allan headed over to re-spot the ball for a free kick the Celtic midfielder moved towards the ball, the Saints player then booted the ball at Commons who was booked to the amazement of the fans behind the goal.
Charlie Mulgrew replaced Jason Denayer for the second half but St Johnstone still looked the most likely team to make the breakthrough as they battle with Dundee Uinted for fourth place and a possible European place.
St Johnstone continued to enjoy the bulk of the possession through the second half but found the Celtic defence much tighter although the hoops still struggled to make much of an impact around the St Johnstone penalty box.
With 20 minutes left to play Stefan Scepovic and Emilio Izaguirre replaced Tierney and Commons as Deila attempted to freshen things up in the search for a goal.
Eight minutes from the end there were chances at both ends with Murray Davidson sending a close range header off the post with Steven Anderson firing the rebound straight at Zaluska. Straight away Celtic broke up the park with James Forrest racing round Alan Mannus but slipping as he shot wide with the goal gaping.
ln stoppage time Davidson again struck the post, again Celtic raced up the park with Mannus producing a great save to push Leigh Griffiths shot round the post.
With trophy day next Sunday at home to Inverness Caley Thistle Deila will be hoping that his side can finish the season with a flourish.
