Celtic 3-1 FK Krasnodar: Deila enjoys first win

Ronny Deila’s first game in charge of Celtic ended in a comfortable 3-1 win over Russian side FK Krasnodar in Austria.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila enjoyed his first win. Picture: John Devlin

Scorers: Krasnodar - Ahmedov 20; Celtic - Stokes 2, Johansen 39, McGregor 50

The Norwegian named a strong starting line-up as he replaced Neil Lennon in the Celtic dug-out, with Kris Commons, Anthony Stokes and Virgil van Dijk all starting the pre-season clash at the Hofmaninger Stadion in Wimsback. Celtic turned in a performance which will have pleased the new manager as he gets his work under way in earnest.

The Scottish champions made a swift start as Stokes lobbed home the opener sending a sumptuous chip over the Krasnodar keeper after just 70 seconds.

The Russian side responded well and won a free kick on the edge of the Celtic box but the resulting shot was saved well by Lukasz Zaluska.

Krasnodar managed to gain better possession and began pressing Celtic deep in the Bhoys’ half. Their determination paid off when Charlie Mulgrew’s slip-up let in Odil Ahmedov to level after 20 minutes but Celtic regained the lead six minutes before the break after a mistake in the Krasnodar defence gave Stefan Johansen the opportunity to net from a tight angle.

The Norwegian midfielder dragged the ball away from the sprawled Krasnodar keeper and dispatched a composed low shot into the net.

Deila changed his entire line-up for the second half. They were rewarded as young striker Callum McGregor put Celtic 3-1 up five minutes after the restart with a first-time shot on the edge of the box.