Scottish champions Celtic gave themselves a sporting chance of progressing in the UEFA Champions League after cruising to a 1-0 away win over Knattspyrnufelag Reykjavikur on Tuesday.
A late goal from Callum McGregor, on his debut, was enough to make the second qualifying round second leg in Scotland next week little more than a formality.
New manager Ronny Deila’s first competitive game in charge turned out to be a stroll in the unprepossessing setting of the KR-Vollur Stadium.
The Norwegian, who only took over from Neil Lennon last month, saw his side control the first half, with Kris Commons hitting the bar, but they could not convert their superiority into goals.
Leigh Griffiths and substitute Teemu Pukki also hit the woodwork in the second half, before 21-year-old McGregor, making his first competitive start for the Hoops, drilled a shot low past goalkeeper Stefan Magnusson with seven minutes remaining.
However, the lack of firepower will have set the alarm bells ringing for Deila and he will know that if the Hoops are to make the Champions League main draw they will have to sharpen up their act in front of goal.
Commons, top scorer last season with 32 goals, rattled the bar from long range with a dipping volley and moments later forced a good save from Magnusson with a powerful drive.
In the 74th minute, Deila introduced Pukki and Derk Boerrigter for Stokes and Griffiths in a bid to find a goal.
As the hosts found themselves with their backs against the wall, Pukki hitting the post after Magnusson had made a double save from Commons and McGregor.
Boerrigter was the next Hoops player to be foiled by Magnusson, before McGregor fired in a low drive.
With Celtic Park out of commission due to the Commonwealth Games, the return tie is to be held at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Tuesday next week.
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