LEIGH Griffiths sent thousands of Celtic fans over the moon with a dramatic equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw away to Astana.
The match looked like another tale of woe as the hoops trailed to a first half goal from Yuri Logvinenko that left the Celtic defence with little credit.
Astana missed a couple of half chances at the start of the second half but in the 78th minute it was all right on the night as Griffiths steered the ball into the net from a Patrick Roberts cut-back.
With an away goal Celtic can look forward to the home leg with some confidence while the Kazak champions prepare for a 12.45am kick off Astana time.
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton had little to cheer about during Ronny Deila’s two years in charge but was quick to acknowledge Griffiths strike.
He tweeted: “Well dug in! Leigh Griffiths wallop stunning! Gordon stinker for goal. Bullied in 1st half. Subs good. Job done but still work to do.”
Well dug in! Leigh Griffiths wallop stunning! Gordon stinker for goal. Bullied in 1st half. Subs good. Job done but still work to do????????
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) July 27, 2016
Greeting Griffiths goal on twitter former Sunday Mirror hack Brian McNally tweeted: “ Leigh Griffiths grabs a priceless away goal for #Celtic but all down to determination from Patrick Roberts winning the ball.Huge goal.”
Backing up that view footieghirl88 added: “@McNallyMirror I am so grateful to have both @Leighgriff09 and @patrick7roberts in our team.Great players.Id have them here for years!
Leigh Griffiths grabs a priceless away goal for #Celtic but all down to determination from Patrick Roberts winning the ball.Huge goal
— Brian McNally (@McNallyMirror) July 27, 2016
Straight to the point @chi_kula31 tweeted: “Leigh Griffiths is a goal machine. “
Letting their emotions run over etimsnet added: “@Leighgriff09 what a fucken strike son. Brilliant play from @patrick7roberts Get in there! Torture watching the game on Ceefax! #Celtic.”
From South America Celticbra suggested: “O Celtic empatou com o Astana por 1-1. @Leighgriff09 marcou o nosso gol.
O Celtic empatou com o Astana por 1-1. @Leighgriff09 marcou o nosso gol.
— Celtic Brasil (@celticbra) July 27, 2016
Spreading the credit a little further @alldothehuddle tweeted: “The 2 bright lights this year continue to shine. @Leighgriff09 & @kierantierney1 stand up to be counted. @bonesyo was fantastic too. #Celtic
Astana 1-1 Celtic / GOAL : Leigh Griffiths. pic.twitter.com/WmTjvvJ7Bm
— Eren Sözen (@CelticReporter9) July 27, 2016