Celtic 1-1 Ross County: Stewart Murdoch strike denies Celtic

Celtic moved nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership following a 1-1 draw with Ross County at Parkhead.

The Hoops can now clinch the title next weekend but it was another unimpressive performance in their first game since Ronny Deila announced his summer departure.

County secured a point after Stewart Murdoch cancelled out Leigh Griffiths' first-half opener with a stunning strike from the edge of the box after an hour.

Striker Griffiths had earlier bagged his 38th goal of the season, smashing the ball high into the corner after being found in the box by Colin Kazim-Richards.

The draw was enough to take Celtic nine points ahead of second-placed Aberdeen, who lost 3-0 to St Johnstone on Friday, with four games remaining.

The result was Celtic's second draw in three matches and, after a tumultuous week in which they were beaten by rivals Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final before boss Deila's announcement, the team were booed off at Celtic Park.

On-loan Manchester City attacker Patrick Roberts had a lively first half for Celtic, pulling the strings from wide positions, and Griffiths had an early shot over the bar before he gave the hosts a 23rd-minute lead.

County goalkeeper Ross Fox made a number of good saves throughout the game, denying Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton a second goal before the break. 

Michael Gardyne went agonisingly close for the visitors four minutes into the second half when he latched onto Liam Boyce's flick-on but shot over from close range.

Murdoch finally rewarded County's industry when he punished the hosts for failing to clear a corner, lashing the ball home from distance on 64 minutes.

Fox made further saves to deny Celtic substitutes Callum McGregor and Kris Commons late on, but County held on for a point.