Jamie Lindsay was the Celtic hero as the u-20 side beat Dinamo Zagreb 1-0 in their opening match in the Al Ain International Football Youth Championship.
Dinamo had comfortably beaten Benfica 2-1 on Saturday night but found the young Celts much harder to break down.
Lindsay scored the only goal of the match in the 78th minute with a low drive from 15 yards after substitute Denny Johnstone applied the softest of touches to a Jackson Irvine pass.
As an added bonus Callum McGregor made his first appearance in six months as a second half substitute after picking up an injury on international duty with Scotland.
Despite being without regular starters such as Joe Chalmers, Marcus Fraser and Bahrudin Atajic the new look Celtic side settled well creating the best of the first half chances.
Fast forward to 1 minute 30 for goal.
Celtic continued to set the pace after the break and were rewarded with 12 minutes left to play when Lindsay shot low under the Dinamo keeper from 15 yards out.
On Tuesday night Celtic face Benfica a draw good enough to take Celtic into the semi-finals which will take place on Thursday with the final and 3rd/4th place play-off on Saturday.
As well as going for glory in Abu Dhabi Celtic are also on course for the domestic double for the fourth season running.
Dunfermline will meet Celtic at Hampden in the final of the SFA Youth Cup on May 2 with just three wins from their last six matches needed to clinch the 2-20 title.
CELTIC: Fasan: Fisher, O’Connell, Findlay, Miller: Irvine, Herron, Lindsay: Trialist (Johnstone), P Twardzik (McGregor), George (Kidd)
Crackin flick on and a wonderful finish by Jamie Lindsay.
Good luck in your next match bhoys!
Hail Hail
Well done all the young Celtic Bhoy Hail Hail