An 86th minute goal from Callum McGregor got Ronny Deila’s reign off to a winning start with a single goal win over KR Reykjavik.
The game looked certain to end goal-less after the hoops had pounded the Icelandic goal but with time running out McGregor struck.
After a tentative first half Celtic moved up a gear in the second period but enjoyed no luck in front of goal with Commons at times appearing to be on a one man mission to open the scoring.
Celtic’s biggest shareholder, Dermot Desmond, made an unexpected appearance at the match demonstrating his backing for Deila when it seemed likely that Roy Keane would have succeeded Neil Lennon.
All three of Celtic’s World Cup representatives were on display with Efe Ambrose re-united with Virgil van Dijk in the Nigerian’s first appearance of the season.
There was one surprise in Deila’s first XI with McGregor, who spent last season on loan at Notts County, given his hoops debut playing wide of an advanced midfield three alongside Kris Commons and Leigh Griffiths. The first chance of the match fell to Kris Commons with his 30 yard volley smashing off the crossbar with goalkeeper Stefán Magnússon motionless.
KR were happy to concede possession to Celtic with the hoops forced to ping the ball around in midfield from wing to wing as they searched for an opening. It was tough going for the hoops as they attempted to open up the KR defence with the home side looking happy to settle for a goal-less draw to save face.
The lack of a genuine winger was restricting Celtic’s options with neither Mikael Lustig or Emilio Izaguirre able to get forward to stretch the KR defence.
Two minutes into the second half Commons shot narrowly over the bar after Griffiths and Johansen had created an opening. Four minutes later Commons had his, and Celtic’s fourth effort at goal but again he shot over the bar from a Griffiths lay off.
It was one way traffic towards the KR goal with Stokes coming close with a dipping free kick before a stinging drive on the hour mark from Griffiths came off the crossbar. Deila waited to the 73rd minute to make any changes with Stokes and Griffiths making way for Derk Boerrigter and Teemu Pukki.
Two minutes after coming on Pukki hit the post after the KR keeper had failed to collect a 25 yard Commons effort. With time running out it looked like the hoops would be left frustrated until McGregor marked his debut in style, cutting in from the right flank then firing a low left foot shot into the net from the edge of the penalty box.
CELTIC (4-2-3-1) Forster; Lustig, Ambrose, van Dijk, Izaguirre; Johansen, Mulgrew; Griffiths (Boerrigter 73), Commons, McGregor; Stokes (Pukki 73).
Subs: Zaluska, Matthews, O’Connell, Kayal, Â Henderson.