Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic failed to find a breakthrough in the first half of their match with bottom-of-the-table St Mirren this evening.

The Bhoys are five points clear and the Saints four points adrift at the opposite ends of the standings, but that vast gap was not evident in a goalless opening 45 minutes.

It was Celtic who started on the front foot as Anthony Stokes shot wide on the turn and Kris Commons tested Mark Ridgers at his near post.

The Scotland international then should have given the visitors the lead in Paisley when he fired straight at Ridgers from 12 yards out following a Stuart Armstrong cross.

However, St Mirren grew into the game as the half went on as Kieran Sadlier did well to provide Stevie Mallan with a headed opportunity which he sent straight at Craig Gordon, before working the visiting goalkeeper himself from distance.

The hosts also had a strong shout for a penalty turned down after Mallan was brought down in the box by Adam Matthews.