Half-Time Report: Celtic denied by St Johnstone in first half of season opener

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have been unable to score in the first 45 minutes of their season opener at St Johnstone tonight, as the sides go into the break with the score level at 0-0.

James Forrest was lively on his first start since March and came close to putting the Bhoys ahead after 15 minutes, but he dragged his shot wide of the near post.

Craig Gordon hadn't started a competitive game in more than two years before this evening, but the 31-year-old showed no signs of the injuries that have plagued his career when he leapt to his right to push away a strong Steven MacLean effort in the 20th minute.

However, Celtic were on the front foot for most of the first half and Anthony Stokes curled a 25-yard free kick just wide before Callum McGregor tested Alan Mannus with a low shot.

Kris Commons continued to see much of the ball for Celtic, but he was unable to put his side ahead as he pulled a shot wide of the near post shortly before the half-time whistle sounded.