DUNDEE, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 15: Celtic's Camilo Duran celebrates after scoring to make it 2-0 during a Premier Sports Cup Second Round match between Dundee United and Celtic at The CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice, on August 15, 2026, in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Celtic hit top gear last night to beat Dundee United 4-0 to reach the last eight of the League Cup.
Twice last season Celtic lost at Tannadice, twice in the first 15 minutes they were served notice as the home-side hit the base of Vil Sinisalo’s right hand post.
Celtic settled then enjoyed the first dividend of having a dedicated set-piece coach.
Ross Grant arrived in the summer from Hearts with almost a blank canvas to work from.
Just past the 20th minute Celtic got nowhere with a short quickly taken corner. But it earned another corner.
CELTIC MAKE THE BREAKTHROUGH
This time the delivery was towards the front of the six yard box. Met brilliantly by Auston Trusty who angled his header across goal and in at the far post.
Two minutes later Camilo Duran scored his first Celtic goal. In the build up the ball struck Kasper Hogh on the hand.
Most pundits were amazed that the goal stood, after the match broadcasters were informed of the Laws of the Game that allowed the goal.
https://youtu.be/mCs-j2yca64
United twice hit woodwork at the start of the second half. They paid a heavy price for that.
Ben Nygren supplied Sebastian Tounekti for the third in the 54th minute. Nine minutes later it was roles reversed as Nygren made it three goals in three games.
Three matches in it has been a perfect start for Celtic.
The next two matches, both against LASK will go a long way to deciding to shaping the mood around the club as season 26/27 gets into its stride.
Pushing forward Celtic are impressive.
Duran is industrious with a real presence, Martin O’Neill is looking to find away to play him centrally with Kasper Hogh.
In midfield and defence Celtic have given up chances more easily than O’Neill would like. United hit the woodwork five times without once hitting the target.
LASK are likely to be much more clinical if presented with 15 chances at goal.
Need a right back and pace injected into the midfield. We cannot give European teams the shooting practice afforded to Dundee United. Need an alternative approach when facing high press but a great result. Duran is a find. Perhaps for the first time too I’m looking at Sinisalo and he seems a bit unsettled or nervous?
Good win – But worryingly they got to our woodwork FIVE fu**in times !