St Patrick defied all predictions that Celtic would win the Parkhead tie but the Scottish champions looked short of quality on a night which Venglos will want to learn from.

Venglos, described as head coach designate in the match programme as he still awaits a work permit, will have been dismayed at how much work needs to be done on the side.

Stubborn defensive display

It was a stubborn defensive display from Pat Dolan's St Patrick, who looked composed in front of a 56,864 crowd.

Morten Wieghorst's knee problem meant Regi Blinker returned to the fold - as did Harald Brattbakk.

Celtic were unable to score against the part-timers

St Patrick's leading scorer Trevor Molloy passed a late fitness test and snatched at a first-minute chance, allowing Jonathan Gould to save well.

Thereafter, it was Gould's counterpart, Wood, who impressed during the opening 45 minutes as he proved a match for the best Celtic could offer in attack.

Celtic started the second half sluggishly and were unable to manufacture chances with the same frequency, a Jackie McNamara volley wide their closest initial effort.

On the hour Alan Stubbs' header from Lambert's inviting free kick finally had Woods beaten, but the ball bounced the wrong side of the post for Celtic.

Simon Donnelly was introduced for McNamara, but still Celtic's plight remained as they struggled to find a way through a heavily-manned defence, who battled to the end.

St Patrick's substitute Martin Reilly almost surprised Celtic on the break with only 10 minutes remaining, but he was unable to find the target.