Irish Sunday Mirror

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Mcginn brace gives Bhoys fright but Callum comes up trumps

- BY RONNIE ESPLIN

The former Hoops player and boss was given a warm reception from the home fans before Mcgregor, left out of Gordon Strachan’s recent Scotland squad to some surprise, drove in the opener in the 15th minute.

Two stunning strikes by Mcginn after the break put the Easter Road ahead before Mcgregor levelled with 10 minutes remaining to extend Celtic’s unbeaten domestic run to 58 games.

The Hoops’ convincing 3-0 Champions League win over Anderlecht on Wednesday night ensured a packed stadium for their return and they were treated to another 90 minutes of excitement.

Hoops keeper Craig Gordon tipped a 25-yard free-kick from Stokes over the bar in the third minute as Hibs started confidentl­y.

However, gradually the champions played themselves into it.

When Dembele played in Mcgregor he fired low past keeper Ross Laidlaw from 16 yards for his fifth goal of the season.

That appeared to be Celtic into their stride and moments later Laidlaw kept out midfielder Tom Rogic’s drive.

Scott Sinclair replaced Edouard for the start of the second half and within three minutes had drawn a good save from Laidlaw. Mcginn’s equaliser in the 53rd minute stunned Celtic Park as the ball fell neatly for the former St Mirren ace who fired low past Gordon (inset).

The match turned in Hibs favour and only a remarkable Gordon save in the 65th minute kept the home side on level terms as he denied Steven Whittaker a yard out.

Mcgregor cleared the bar a moment later as an exciting finale ensued and when Mcginn fired high past Gordon from 22 yards after Mikael Lustig had headed clear an Ambrose there was an air of disbelief around the stadium.

Celtic rallied and after Griffiths’ cross was knocked back into the path of Mcgregor after several players challenged for it, he steered the ball in from 12 yards.

There was a Celtic penalty claim in the 87th minute when Ambrose appeared to impede Sinclair before the Hoops substitute had his shot parried away by Laidlaw but it wasn’t to be.

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 ??  ?? POINT TAKEN Callum Mcgregor makes it 2-2 at Celtic Park yesterday and, inset, runs off to celebrate
POINT TAKEN Callum Mcgregor makes it 2-2 at Celtic Park yesterday and, inset, runs off to celebrate

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