Scott Comes Up Short For Celtic

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Socceroo Scott McDonald missed a simple stoppage-time chance as Celtic slipped out of top spot in Scotland after a 0-0 draw with Motherwell overnight.

With scores tied and time running away from the Hoops, who had seen rivals Rangers win earlier in the day, the Australian was presented with a great chance to win it but he somehow managed to head over from close-range.

Aiden McGeady also missed a close-range header late, as Celtic endured a poor day losing their SPL lead to Rangers who now enjoy a one-point buffer on their Glasgow rivals.

Elsewhere around Europe, it was a case of many of the Socceroos having a rest after their long journeys for the Australia games against the Netherlands and Oman.

In Germany's Bundesliga, Dario Vidosic and Matthew Spiranovic were not included in the FC Nurnberg side which claimed a great 3-0 win over cellar-dwellers Hertha Berlin.

In the Dutch Eredivisie, the battle of the Aussies failed to eventuate as FC Twente defeated AZ Alkmaar 3-2. Nikita Rukavytsya was on the bench for Twente, but David Carney was suspended, while Brett Holman was an unused sub for AZ and James Holland wasn't in the squad.

In Sweden's Allsvenskan, Socceroos reserve keeper Ante Covic kept a clean sheet helping IF Elfsborg claim a 1-0 win at Trelleborgs FF. The result keeps the pressure on leaders AIK, but they also won overnight and enjoy a 4-point advantage with 3 games to play.

In Russia's Premier League, Luke Wilkshire returned to action with Dinamo Moscow but his club slipped up 1-0 at home to Tom Tomsk. Dinamo have lost 3 of their last 4 matches and slide to eighth on the table.

In Italy's Serie B, Australian midfielder Carl Valeri wasn't in the US Grosseto squad which blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Padova at home.

In Switzerland's Schweizer Pokal, veteran Socceroo Scott Chipperfield was rested as FC Basel eased past Le Mont 3-1.

Returning to Scotland's Premier League, James Wesolowski and Trent McClenahan both played full games as Hamilton Accies drew 1-1 at Dundee United, with the hosts grabbing a late equaliser, while Danny Invincibile's Kilmarnock lost 1-0 at Hibernian with the Aussie playing the full 90 minutes.

In Scotland's Division One, Young Socceroo Ryan McGowan started and played 82 minutes as Ayr United lost 2-0 at Partick Thistle. Elsewhere, Simon Storey put in a full shift as Airdrie lost 1-0 at home to Ross County while Erik Paartalu was a 52nd minute sub as Morton lost 1-0 to Dundee.