Boyata’s debut goal sets up Celtic for win over Stjarnan

Celtic will take a two goal lead to Iceland next week as they attempt to return to the group stage of the Champions League.

Dedryck Boyata and Stefan Johansen were on target for the homeside who should have put the tie beyond the reach of Stjarnan even allowing for a penalty miss from Leigh Griffiths.

Ronny Deila’s side looked great in patches but were rusty in places particularly around the penalty box where they failed to convert a hatful of chances, especially in the first half.

Nadir Ciftci was the surprise choice to lead the line with a further shock coming when the teams appeared with James Forrest in for Gary Mackay-Steven who had been listed on the team sheet.

Former Dundee United man Ciftci settled quickly being involved in some early link up play as Celtic chased the first goal.

There was nothing lacking in Celtic’s fitness as they pushed forward from every angle to test the Stjarnan defence.

Stuart Armstrong had the pick of the first half chances after being put through one on one against Gunnar Nielson but the midfielder hesitated for a moment and stubbed his shot against the goalkeeper’s legs.

It looked like the first half would finish goal-less but with two minutes left to play Boyata picked up where Jason Denayer signed off by heading home a Johansen corner to break the deadlock.

There was a scare six minutes after the restart when Jeppe Hansen sent a shot across the face of goal as Stjarnan showed their willingness to get forward in search of a goal.

Stjarnan had two more sights of goal before Johansen doubled Celtic’s lead running on to a perfectly weighted pass from Armstrong before slipping the ball beyond Nielson.

Shortly after that goal Leigh Griffiths replaced Forrest and took up the central striking position with Ciftci replacing Forrest on the right.

With 13 minutes left to play Celtic were awarded a penalty when Johansen was pushed over in the box but Griffiths shot was saved by Nielsen diving low to his right.