Lack Of Confidence Cost Us At Celtic

Craig Levein believes it was a lack of confidence which cost his side all three points at Parkhead on Boxing day.

Leading 2-0 with just 15minutes to go, it looked like Dundee United would win at Celtic's home ground for the 1st time in exactly 14 years.

However, 2 goals in 2 minutes from Darren O'Dea and Shunsuke Nakamura gave Celtic a 2-2 draw and saved their 100% unbeaten home record for the whole of 2006.

"Out confidence has been improving week upon week, but its still strong enough to come here and do the things we`ve been doing previously, because it we had done we would have closed the match out," said Levein.

"We pressed the game for an hour and didn`t let Celtic play and we were in control of the match"

"That was our game plan, because they`ve got better players than us. We did so, and got two good goals, well I consider them to be good goals."

"The disappointing thing for me was that we allowed Celtics first goal to affect us even more. We got deeper and started defending at the edge of the box."

"From experience of playing at Celtic Park and managing teams there, I know if Celtic get a goal the crowd get a lift and the players get a lift. They can then pin you back,"

"I don't know if you can have both emotions at the same time — I was delighted at getting a point, but gutted at not getting all three."

When a team comes away from Parkhead disappointed with a draw, then it tells you something about how well they played, but you can never take anything for granted in the closing stages against Celtic.

"If you asked me before the game if Id take my point I'd say yes, but if you asked me with 20 minutes to go, Id say no," said Levein.

"I know it's a point at Celtic Park, but it is a wasted opportunity. We were in control until their first goal."

"I think there's more to come from the players. If they can translate the believe that I have in them on to the park, they would be a better team."

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