Celtic show ‘spirit’ and ‘resilience’ in Bologna as the big week approaches

After Hatati was sent off in the 34th minute, it was a solid Celtic performance, with Trusty scoring at the back post on a rare adventure inside the Bologna area.

Attack after attack was repelled by the Celtic backline as Trusty and Liam Scales held off the Bologna attack.

The hosts dominated possession, pinning Celtic in their own half, and made 63 touches inside the Celtic penalty area.

However, stubborn defending was undone with frustrating ease when Dalinga’s header went past Schmeichel from close range and the Dane veteran then converted a penalty when Rowe’s powerful shot flew over his head.

“There will be a feeling of ‘what could have been?’ – and I think Schmeichel can do better on both goals,” said former Scotland striker James McFadden.

“So it’s going to be mixed feelings.”

O’Neill wondered if Schmeichel would be ugly for Rowe’s equaliser, but chose to focus on the efforts of the centre-backs in the valuable draw.

Trusty alone made 17 clearances and three interceptions, marshalling the exhausted visitors to great effect.

“Trusty was great, as has been the case during my time here,” O’Neill said.

“I couldn’t give him enough credit, he was just as brilliant as the team. He and Scales have been fantastic as a defensive pairing in the time I’ve been here and my expectations for them are very high.

“Trusty embodied team spirit tonight. She was tremendous and kept us in contention for at least another week.”

Another former Celtic manager also praised the way Celtic fought back to some extent.

Neil Lennon said: “A great character player.” “You can see what it means to them.

“Auston Trusty and Liam Scales were massive. They had to defend a lot of crosses.

“It’s a huge point.”