The longer their troubles from the spot continue, the bigger the psychological burden becomes on an already mentally taxing challenge in football. We have enough of the ball, got into some really good areas, we just missed that final moment of combination play and that final moment of quality that allows you to get in front and opens the game up.

Brian: This Motherwell team had a point to prove after Celtic's late win at Fir Park earlier in season. Too many Celtic players just take it for granted they'll get three points easily against a team who hadn't won in their previous nine matches. Manager Barry Robson is hoping Aberdeen can extend the contract of Bojan Miovski , with the striker's current deal running until the summer of 2026. (Herald) external-link

We went down to 10 men after 20 minutes and the battling nature was just outstanding,” explained Stewart.

Consequently, pressure has been building on coach Maurizio Sarri, who led Lazio to a second-place finish last season and a second Champions League campaign in 15 years. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has chosen to break with tradition and ditch the club's annual January warm-weather trip to the Middle East. (Scottish Sun) external-link Rangers have been warned by Uefa over the "unsporting conduct" of their ball boys during a Europa League group stage match against Sparta Prague. (Scottish Sun) external-link Stewart believes the effort shown in Saturday’s third round win on penalties away to Broxburn Athletic was all made worth it by securing a plum tie in the fourth round. It was the third time Celtic have failed to score from a penalty in the league this season, leaving them with a 62.5% conversion rate out of eight opportunities.

Key Events

It's not a new problem for the champions either. In three of the four seasons that preceded this one, their success rate from penalties was 75% or below. Sam: Gone are the days when teams feared the pace of Celtic. Brendan Rodgers has a small army of wingers but is just unwilling to let them make runs with pace. The pedestrian slow build-up play is predictable and you're starting to see teams get accustomed to it. Change of tactics and of work rate. The "we never stop" motto to "we never got started".