It was a bit of a humdinger, wasn't it?

When all is said and done Celtic may be kicking themselves that they did not win the third Glasgow derby of the season after a pulsating 3-3 draw at Ibrox. However, the destiny of the Scottish Premiership title remains firmly in the champions' hands.

Brendan Rodgers' men now have a home advantage in the final instalment in a race for the league flag that is going down to the wire.

There are more questions than answers from this encounter. How can Celtic go to Ibrox and score three goals and not win the match? How can Celtic's star man be someone who was in a deference that conceded three goals?

The answer is quite simple, really. Cameron Carter-Vickers is a colossus at the heart of the green and white defence. The USA international enjoyed a good old-fashioned physical tussle with Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers. No quarter was asked for and none was given but the man in Light Blue struggled to get a look in.

Remember Carter-Vickers' outstanding performance in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park against Rangers in last season's 1-0 triumph before he went under the surgeon's knife. That day he decided none shall pass.

This was another top-drawer display from the defensive stalwart who has been desperately missed for large chunks of the season.

READ MORE: Celtic's Rodgers proud despite conceding 'De Bruyne' stunner

Rodgers was impressed by the American's showing too and had this to say when asked about his stand-in skipper: "I was really impressed.

"He is a top-class centre-half and he gives real authority in the game. You need that. We came to a stadium where we had no supporters and where they are very passionate and you are up against a partisan crowd and you need your players to stand up and be counted and I thought he did that."

It was no surprise to the Northern Irishman because it is what he expects of the lynchpin in green and white. Carter-Vickers is a different kind of captain to Callum McGregor. He lets his football do the talking. Always.  Defending is an art and Carter-Vickers never ends up all over the canvas. Domestically he is the best defender in the country by some distance. He is also the glue that holds everything together in the Celtic defence. He is solidity and organisation personified

When Carter-Vickers' name appears on the Celtic teamsheet it is the most reassuring sight in the world for Rodgers and the Celtic support. It must be an intimidating and demoralising sight for Scottish Premiership attackers as they know Carter-Vickers performance will be littered with tackles, interceptions, blocks, sheer brute strength, a physical presence and that he will very rarely, if at all come off second best. It is not in his nature. He loves the combat and he'll keep coming back for more.

Despite the hostile atmosphere behind enemy lines, Carter-Vickers was a standout from beginning to end in Govan. He strolled it. He bossed it. He doesn't just make a difference to the Celtic defence. He makes a difference to the full team. End of.

Although The Celtic Way's Star Man was disappointed not to take all three points he is a realist and as pragmatic as ever. The 26-year-old is well aware that if Celtic can replicate their Ibrox form, especially in the first 45 minutes, in all of the last six league games as well as the Scottish Cup semi-final then his personal trophy haul with the club in just three seasons could well rise to a 'Magnificent Seven'.

READ MORE: Celtic's Carter-Vickers in honest Glasgow Derby admission

As Carter-Vickers said: "Yeah, we are feeling good. The situation in the table hasn’t changed.

"Even if we won that game we would probably still have to have won our next six games. Nothing has changed at all."

Nothing has changed at all. Celtic are still top of the Scottish Premiership tree. With six games to go Celtic's defensive colossus is in no mood to extend any olive branches.