St Mirren defender Viktor Genev shows ambition by striding out from the back and, when the ball breaks to Yoann Arquin, the striker's volley from all of 30 yards is too ambitious and too wide.

St Mirren fans are enraged as Scott Brown blatantly bundles down Stevie Mallan. As referee Alan Muir waves play on, the supporters further voice their displeasure as Anthony Stokes effort on the break almost deflects into the home net.

The home side are stung into action themselves and Stevie Mallan gives it his trademark thump from long range, but the midfielder's effort slips wide after almost catching goalkeeper Craig Gordon unawares.

St Mirren survive a bit of pinball in their six-yard box after Virgil van Dijk heads down from a corner, but the home side eventually clear and Kris Commons fires wastefully into the side netting.

Celtic have started the second half with plenty of intent as, once more, Kris Commons sets up a chance, but Anthony Stokes' toe-poke from the edge of the penalty area is easily held by goalkeeper Mark Ridgers.

Has Stuart Armstrong been stung by that bit of social media criticism at half time? The Celtic midfielder is the first to threaten in the second 45 with a curling effort on the turn, but it flies well wide.

Celtic go huddle happy with another team gathering before kicking off the second half.

bringthemonjpn: "Very tight first half. St Mirren not going to lie down without getting a point."

James in Giffnock: "St Mirren fighting for their lives in the Scottish Premiership and it shows. This is no walk in the park for Celtic."

Fraser Vandal: "Stuck in England with Radio Scotland for match action. Probably best not watching what Celtic might do to us!" Well Fraser, so far your team are half way to an unexpected and deserved point.

Mark, Ayr: "What's with Stuart Armstrong? He looks so disinterested tonight, Very weird." Maybe the Celtic midfielder is worrying for wee Jackie McNamara amid the publicity over his transfer fee from Dundee United.

St Mirren are growing in confidence and Kieran Sadlier fires from long range, but his shot his straight into the arms of goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

St Mirren midfielder Jim Goodwin is shown a yellow card after a reckless challenge on Scott Brown. The Irishman is lucky he is so slow as he not only misses the ball but the Celtic captain. He is also fortunate his feet were not off the ground or that could have been another red card to add to his impressive collection.

The home side's calls for a spot kick are ignored as Stevie Mallan goes down in the penalty box. The ball falls to Yoann Arquin, but the St Mirren striker's drive is weak and straight at goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Mark Ridgers again comes to St Mirren's rescue as Kris Commons once more splits the centre of the home defence. This time, instead of shooting, the midfielder sets up James Forrest and the winger's drive from 14 yards is pushed away for a corner by the goalkeeper.

First real threat from St Mirren as Jeroen Tesselaar makes a superb tackle before setting up Kieran Sadlier, who shows some neat footwork before firing in a dangerous cross. However, Stevie Mallan's header does not have enough power to trouble goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Richard Wilson
BBC Scotland at St Mirren Park

"Celtic have enjoyed plenty of possession of the ball but have found St Mirren to be awkward to break down. Kris Commons has been the principal threat by dropping off a very deep and packed St Mirren defence. For the home side, the only hope resides on the liveliness of James Dayton and the midfield composer of Stevie Mallan and John McGinn."