Celtic manager Ronny Deila said his side need to start taking their

chances after the Hoops were held to a 1-1 draw by Hamilton at New

Douglas Park on Friday.

Leigh Griffiths had given his side a 35th-minute lead from the

penalty spot before teammate Dedryck Boyata saw red seven minutes later

for a lunge on Carlton Morris.

Gary Mackay-Steven and Griffiths both spurned chances to double

Celtic’s advantage before the Scotland striker saw his second penalty of

the match saved by Hamilton stopper Michael McGovern.

Hamilton then grabbed a superb 73rd-minute equaliser through

substitute Eamonn Brophy as they gained some redemption for their 8-1

humbling by the Hoops back in January.

It ends a run of three successive wins for Celtic and the Parkhead

club’s manager was angry at his side’s lack of composure in front of

goal.

“It’s disappointing that we went down to 10 men and we didn’t win this game,” Deila said.

“We started well but in the second half things were more open. You

have to take your chances especially when you are down to 10 men.

“We had three very big chances and didn’t score and they got theirs from a set play and that was disappointing.

“I think we defended in the second half better than we have with 10

men before and they didn’t have a lot of chances and we had a lot of

control. But we needed to want the ball more and create more chances and

maybe have been braver on the ball.

“Leigh missed the penalty and he was two times alone with the

goalkeeper as well so that’s hard to swallow. We had three very big

chances and should have won the game.”

Boyata’s red card for bringing down Morris had a big influence on the

game and television replays appeared to suggest the Belgian defender

got something on the ball first.

However, Delia said he had no argument with referee Craig Thompson’s decision.

“The sending off is an okay decision. He doesn’t take the ball and we

have to start learning that you have to stay on your feet and run with

the player in those situations,” the Norwegian manager said.

“I’ve seen it one more time and he doesn’t take the ball so it’s a red card.”

The point means Celtic open a seven-point gap at the top of the table

over Aberdeen, who could cut the deficit if they can defeat St

Johnstone on Saturday.

“There are 11 matches left and a lot to play for. Nothing is finished

here and I say that all the time,” said Deila, whose side host Dundee

on Wednesday.

“But we are going to fight to the last game and already on Wednesday we have a game where we want three points.”

Hamilton manager Martin Canning was proud of the progress his side had made since their 8-1 humiliation at Celtic Park.

“The team worked ever so hard and deserved something from the game,” Canning said.

“Michael McGovern kept us in it with the penalty save and then we got

our goal but with a bit of luck we might have got all three points.

“I’m proud of the boys as it’s such a big effort to take something

off Celtic, albeit with ten men, but you have to put in the work.”