By Cathal Dervan

Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson has urged the Parkhead faithful to keep the faith as Rangers look down on the Bhoys from the top of the Scottish Premier Division table for the first time this season.

A 2-2 draw for the Celts at Dundee on Sunday was quickly followed by a 3-2 Rangers win over Hearts as the lead in the title race changed just a week after Martin O’Neill’s side were beaten at Ibrox.

Henri Camara and John Hartson were on target as the Hoops were held at Dens Park, but Pearson insisted there is nothing to worry about as regards Celtic’s championship credentials.

“I am not concerned at all,” said Pearson. “We lost two points but that happens.

“You can’t win every game. We just have to bounce back next week and we’ll be trying to do that.

“We had a big game on Wednesday with the 1-1 Champions League draw out in Barcelona and that took a lot out of the players. We managed to come here and not lose the game. It is a setback but we haven’t lost the game so we have to bounce back next time.

“We had quite a few chances to win the game but these things happen. We just have to get on with it and take the chances we create next time.”

Bhoys boss Martin O’Neill said, “Our efforts to get back into the game were absolutely terrific. Then, when we conceded the second goal, it was a case of drive forward and there is always the possibility of leaving gaps.

“In terms of effort, I cannot fault the team and we are still in the championship race. The second goal was obviously a poor one from our point of view.

“That can happen in any game, but it is disappointing to have come from behind earlier in the match to take the lead.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish FA have vowed to crack down on sectarianism after allegations that Neil Lennon was racially abused in last week’s controversial Old Firm defeat at Rangers.

O’Neill claimed Lennon had been the subject of “racial and sectarian” abuse during the 2-0 defeat at Ibrox, a charge Rangers owner David Murray strenuously denied.

Scottish FA bosses could now take legal action against guilty clubs under strict Scottish laws, with Chief Executive David Taylor saying, “We will be reissuing the Lord Advocate’s guidelines to the clubs. They were issued after the Duncan Ferguson case and we will send them out as a signal.

“They talk about player behavior but they also talk about provocative behavior and conduct as well as violent behavior and conduct. If that is not looked at by the football authorities, it might be the subject of other investigations.

“There is a danger of the police becoming involved and that is something we are very cognizant of.”

In other Celtic news, O’Neill has rejected Frank Rijkaard’s claims that Celtic were guilty of ‘anti-football’ tactics in the 1-1 Champions League Group F draw in the Nou Camp last week.

O’Neill responded, “If, for instance, Chelsea had gone to the Nou Camp with the form Barcelona have been in and drawn, and with many more attacking options than we possessed, people would have said it was a marvelous result. It was a brilliant effort. I didn’t know that he had said that.

“We had to get something in Barcelona, and when you possess the players that they do at this minute, and play the type of football they play, any team who would attempt to put men behind the ball might be considered to be anti-Barcelona football.”

O’Neill has also defended his actions at Ibrox when he led Lennon to the traveling contingent and repeatedly punched the air following the stormy match.

He said, “What should I regret? I go to the away fans every fortnight with the players and nothing has been said before. I applauded the crowd because the support was fantastic — and because Neil Lennon was abused from start to finish I think I had a right to show some support.

“He was verbally abused in a racial and sectarian manner. Neil Lennon was subjected to this from start to finish — and it reached an incredible crescendo at the end.”

O’Shea’s United

Ireland defender John O’Shea has pledged his future to Manchester United in a bid to end speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle or Everton.

O’Shea was left on the bench again as United moved up to fourth in the Premiership table with victory at West Brom on Saturday.

But he insisted, “There is no way I am leaving Old Trafford. I am definitely staying without a doubt and, fingers crossed, I will be here for a long time to come.

“When you are playing for Manchester United you are going to face pressure. I have faced it before, no doubt I will face it again in the future.

“What you have to do is make sure when you get a chance, you put the manager under pressure not to leave you out.” 

FAI Changes

Football Association of Ireland (FAI) treasurer John Delaney has vowed to clean up the association’s act and its public image after accepting the post of chief executive officer on an interim basis as the body looks to replace the ousted Fran Rooney.

Delaney also wants to rebuild the FAI’s relationship with the Irish government and has admitted that he wants to land the job on a full-time basis when it is advertised in January.

“I look forward to meeting the challenges which lie ahead and particularly to continuing our engagement with government and the Irish Sports Council in the interest of all involved in Irish football,” said Delaney.

Kinnear Quits?

Joe Kinnear has admitted he could quit Nottingham Forest as results go against the club in their battle to avoid the drop from the Coca-Cola Championship. 

Speaking after Saturday’s defeat at Gillingham, Kinnear said, “It has been hard. People don’t know what stress and strain I have to work under. Some days I wonder if it is worth it. 

“I will have to speak to the chairman and see which way he wants to go. I’ve been told my future is okay, it’s just whether I want it or not that matters.”

O’Leary Stalls

David O’Leary is stalling on his new contract at Aston Villa until his backroom team, including former Celtic star Roy Aitken, are looked after with similar long-term deals. 

O’Leary said, “I have a small staff who I have brought with me. I’m not going to just sign any contract without them being offered new ones as well. If I’m going to stay, I need certain people. Hopefully it will be sorted out soon and then I can get on with my job.”

Drogheda Signings

Drogheda United boss Paul Doolin has signed winger Shane Robinson from Shamrock Rovers and defender Graham Gartland from Longford, who join fellow newcomers goalkeeper Dan Connor, defenders Damian Lynch and Simon Webb and Finnish midfielder Sami Ristila. 

Meanwhile John Lester, Andy Myler, Gary Cronin, Aidan Lynch, Sean McClare and John Flanagan have all left the Boyneside outfit.

Soccer Shorts

ST. Patrick’s Athletic defender Keith Fahey has gone on a week-long trial at Bradford City, while the Dublin outfit has signed former Liverpool midfielder Michael Foley and Dublin City goalkeeper Barry Ryan . . .

ASTON Villa have reportedly joined Newcastle, Spurs and Everton in the chase for Irish winger Andy Reid, while Robbie Keane is also reported to be a target for high flying Everton when the transfer window opens in January . . .

SHAMROCK Rovers have signed striker Trevor Molloy on a new contract and offered veteran midfielder Derek Tracey a player-coach role with the club . . .

WEST Brom’s Wicklow-born midfielder James O’Connor has extended his loan spell at Burnley for another two months . . .

IAN Harte suffered the first major disappointment of his new career in Spain when Real Madrid hammered his Levante team 5-0 at the Bernabeu on Sunday night . . .

VETERAN Longford Town striker Brian Byrne has admitted defeat in his battle against injury and retired . . .

DUNDALK have confirmed that they are examining the use of a plastic pitch at Oriel Park.