League leaders Celtic stifled by resolute Hibernian

Daizen Maeda misses a fine chance to give Celtic the lead

Celtic missed the chance to move 10 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership as they were stifled by a resolute Hibs at Easter Road.

Hibs could have hit the front in the second period as Martin Boyle latched on to a sensational early cross from Jordan Obita, but the Australian's effort soared into the stands.

James Forrest's rocketed strike hit the crossbar late on, meaning Rangers have the opportunity to narrow the gap against Hearts on Sunday, while Hibs move to eighth.

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As was shown at Ibrox last week, Nick Montgomery's Hibs stick to their principles unwaveringly. It was their determination to play out from the back that gifted Celtic most of their chances in the first period.

Both Rocky Bushiri and David Marshall gave the ball straight to an opponent as Hibs got themselves in a muddle, though Celtic weren't ruthless enough to punish their bold hosts.

The only time that Celtic truly cut through the Hibs defence looked certain to result in the opener, but Marshall's heroics kept Maeda at bay.

It was Hibs in disbelief when Boyle failed to make the most of a rare flash of frailty from the previously untroubled visitors.

After having to use a concussion substitution to replace Alistair Johnston after Bushiri cannoned the ball into his face, Brendan Rodgers shuffled the pack in search of a spark, giving Mikey Johnston his first appearance in more than 18 months

His arrowed strike, beaten away by Marshall, was the closest either side got to breaking the deadlock before James Forrest crashed a thunderous strike off the bar to maintain the stalemate.

Player of the match - David Marshall (Hibernian)

Though sometimes shaky in possession, the Hibs goalkeeper's passing was largely on point, with a couple of crucial saves to keep the champions at bay.

Rare stalemate between league's entertainers - analysis

The meetings between these sides last season provided blockbuster entertainment, averaging 5.3 goals per game across the four outings.

It's this recent history, and both sides' commitment to playing front-foot football, that make such an uneventful contest such a surprise. In fact, it's just the fifth goalless draw they have played out together in 20 years.

Perhaps drained from their absorbing European antics midweek, Celtic never looked like overwhelming their opposition in the manner they have done so consistently in recent seasons.

Hibs, meanwhile, stuck to their task, working with the kind of cohesion and confidence that was sorely lacking under Montgomery's predecessor, Lee Johnson.

They learned their lessons from last week's Rangers scalding and could well have won the game if their talisman Boyle had found the finish.

What's next?

Hibs are at home again as they welcome Ross County on Tuesday, while Celtic host third-placed St Mirren on Wednesday (both 19:45 GMT)