ANTHONY Stokes scored the first goal of the Ronny Deila era as Celtic beat Russian side FK Krasnodar 3-1 in Austria.
Stefan Johansen and Callum McGregor were also on the scoresheet with back-up keeper Leo Fasan impressing iun the second period as the Russian side chased the game.
With less than two weeks to go before travelling to Iceland for the Champions League qualifier against KR Reykflavic time is at the essence for the hoops boss as he attempts to guide the bhoys through to the group phase.
Filip Twardzik, at left-back, Dylan McGeoch in right-midfield and Derk Boerrigter on the opposite flank were all in the starting XI as the Norwegian began the process of casting his eye over the squad that he inherited from Neil Lennon.
At half-time Deila changed all eleven players with the younger players showing that they are ready to step into the top team whenever called upon.
The hoops lined up in a 4-4-2 formation led by Stokes and Kris Commons with the Irishman getting the show on the road with a confident chip over the Krasnodar keeper in the firdt minute.
Despite just over a week’s training the hoops looked sharp and energetic in the searing heat with the emphasis very much on a passing game.
Stokes’ lead lasted 18 minutes with the Russian’s equalising when one of their strikers was put through one on one with Lucasz Zaluska before steering a low shot into the net.
Both sides were able to ping the ball around without too much physical challenges flying in allowing players like Twardzik and McGeoch to catch the eye of the manager.
Three minutes from the break Johansen restored the hoops lead when he raced onto a Twardzik through ball and took advantage of a slip by the home keeper to arrow the ball home from a tight angle.
After the break there was a much more youthful look to the Celtic side with Eoghan O’Connell and Stuart Findlay in central defence and Calum Waters taking over from Twardzik at left back. In midfield McGregor was partnered by Liam Henderson.
Four minutes into the second period McGregor showed the eye for goal that impressed on loan at Notts County last season as he poked the ball home from 15 yards out following a pass from Adam Matthews.
Just past the hour mark Pukki tested the Krasnador keeper with a snap shot after McGregor made ground down the left flank.
Krasnodar pushed to get back into the game but found hoops keeper Leo Fasan in top form with one save on the 70th minute to his top right hand corner particularly eye catching.
Celtic held on comfortably to their two goal lead with the displays of the younger players bound to impress their new manager.
When Deila moves into the transfer market he will be able to concentrate on quality knowing that he has strength in depth across all areas of the park.
FIRST HALF: Zaluska; Lustig, van Dijk, Mulgrew, F. Twardzik; Brown, Johansen, Commons; McGeouch, Stokes, Boerrigter
SECOND HALF: Fasan, Matthews, O’Connell, Findlay, Waters: Kayal, McGregor, Henderson, Pukki: Griffiths, Atajic
