OPINION
Celtic put in a lacklustre display to draw 0-0 with Livingston on Sunday afternoon, and there were plenty of talking points to take away from the clash.
The Hoops could not break down a resolute Livingston defence at the Tony Macaroni Arena, and endured a couple of scares themselves as the two sides shared the points.
This is Futbol have picked out three things we learned about Celtic v Livingston below.
Bain > Gordon?
The highlight of a pretty dull first half was undoubtedly a stunning save from Scott Bain to deny Declan Gallagher. The Livingston defender got up well to head on target but Bain popped up with a stunning reflex save to deny him, although the whistle had just sounded for a foul. Other than that save Bain put in a stellar display between the sticks against Livingston, and provided a timely reminder of his talents ahead of the international break. While it may be too early to suggest Brendan Rodgers drops Craig Gordon in favour of the 26-year-old, that time will surely come soon if he keeps up this kind of form when called upon.
Sinclair back to square one
After a small resurgence in form in recent weeks it looks like senior star Scott Sinclair is back at square one. The 29-year-old Englishman had looked lost for much of last season and the beginning of this one, and he looks to be right back there after Sunday’s display. Sinclair failed to really impact the game at all on the flanks, and passed up a couple of good opportunities to create a goal for the Hoops. While he was not the only below-par Celtic player on the day, it does feel like he has taken a step back after his mini-renaissance earlier this term.
Mixed bag for Ajer
Kristoffer Ajer was one of Celtic’s standout performers last term, but the young Norway international has been ousted from a regular starting place by summer signing Filip Benkovic this time round. Ajer did however start for the Hoops on Sunday, and it was a mixed bag for the 20-year-old. He looked as calm and composed as ever on the ball, and made some really positive runs up the pitch as he brought the ball out of defence. He was however dominated at times in the air by a strong Livingston side who used their power well.