Mulgrew is still haunted by Celtic’s 2011 horror show in the Highlands

THE psychological scars of stumbling on the home stretch of a title race never truly heal.

Almost 13 years on, Charlie Mulgrew recalls through gritted teeth the circumstances that effectively cost Celtic the crown.

‘Georgios Samaras missed a penalty at Ibrox. Allan McGregor saved it,’ says the former defender of a goalless draw towards the end of season 2010-11. ‘That would virtually have been it.’

A 4-1 win over Dundee United next time out still put Neil Lennon’s side one step closer. Provided they ticked off their next four games, Rangers would not catch them. Unable to make the top six but in no danger of going down, on paper, Inverness looked like Celtic’s most straightforward assignment.

By the time the Highlanders had registered a shock 3-2 win, that theory had been fed to the shredder. And so began the longest night.

‘It was a summer’s night. I will never forget it,’ adds Mulgrew (above). ‘We came back to Celtic Park from Inverness. We watched a re-run of the game on the bus. It was horrible. We went straight into Celtic Park and straight into a team meeting in the coaches’ room. Lenny was just getting heated up at that point! ‘We were told a few home truths, and we all had our say on it. I had a nightmare in that game, and I remember having to take a bit of flak, which was totally deserved. That’s the way it is. It’s part and parcel of playing for Celtic.’ Lennon’s side dusted themselves down to win their three remaining games but, by that stage, they were requiring a favour. It never arrived. With their noses now in front, Walter Smith’s side won their four remaining games by an aggregate score of 16-1, a rout at Kilmarnock on the final day ensuring Celtic’s win over Motherwell counted for nothing. ‘You’ve just got to do your job,’ says Mulgrew. ‘We did that, but Rangers never let up. That’s why I talk about the finishing line. Once you can see it, you can start to tick the games off. ‘That’s what Celtic have to focus on — take it one game at a time.’

● Charlie Mulgrew was speaking at a Scottish Gas media event. Scottish Gas is the proud partner of the Scottish Cup.