The Hoops surrendered their early lead to Dundee United before Liam Scales levelled up in what O'Neill reckons was a strong second half

Martin O’Neill insists he was happy to pinch a point against Dundee United despite blowing the chance to open up a big lead at the top of the table.

Celtic battled back from 2-1 down to secure a draw thanks to Liam Scales leveller. O’Neill’s men couldn’t find a winner to the advantage of rivals Rangers and Hearts fighting out a stalemate at Tynecastle.

But he said: “We can’t control anything that is happening elsewhere. The disappointment and frustration comes from not winning a home game - that’s it. But considering the trials and tribulations of the last number of weeks, I am not totally dissatisfied.

“We were very strong in the second half. We conceded some poor goals but we fought back and I thought we were going to win it.

“But we also could have lost it as United were very dangerous on the break. They played well but there is frustration that we didn’t get the winner - but who is to say it might be a good point at the end of the season.”

O’Neill hooked Kasper Hogh at the interval after the £11m Danish striker made it 13 games without a goal. But the Hoops boss admitted the frontman could have done with the kind of service subs Jota and Haissem Hassan provided in the second period.

O’Neill said: “Kasper worked hard and set up the first goal but we wanted a change with the two wide players. He played a part in the goal and worked hard. Making the goal will give him a boost.

“But yeah, we put on two wide players and he is probably sitting frustrated at not playing a part in the second half. Sometimes you are gambling, but had a lot of the ball and Haissem Hassan was causing problems.

“I just felt we could have attacked it better when he was whipping balls in. Overall, the crowd stayed with us. It was a tough old evening but we got something out of it.”

Jota made a huge impact from the bench to show signs of getting back to his best. But O’Neill admitted the winger is still short of starting matches after 18 months out.

He said: “That is still a little off at the moment. I had heard very good things about him from his first spell and it would be good if he could get back to that kind of form.”

O’Neill admitted Celts need to shore up at the back with just one clean sheet in their last eight games. He said: “Naturally, we can do better.

“We could have done better with the Dundee United goals. I think sometimes the lack of control comes from losing possession quite easily. Sometimes the move breaks down. Next thing you know, we're stranded.

“Because we are essentially at Southwark Park controlling the game, controlling it. So we've pressed a lot of players forward. Centre half is moving into midfield and beyond.

“Next thing you know, if it breaks down, there is danger. So that's something that we have to try and eliminate.”