Substitutes Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran sparked Celtic into life as the Scottish champions got off the mark in the Europa League in a 3-2 victory over Besiktas.
Martin O’Neill’s side were heading for a seventh defeat in 11 matches and bottom place when Junior Olaitan netted on the rebound after Sam Johnstone had saved his 54th-minute penalty.
But Osmand drilled home the equaliser with his first touch in the 62nd minute, seconds after coming off the bench in a triple change, and the 20-year-old set up Duran to put the hosts in front.
Besiktas sub Orkun Kokcu equalised from long range but Celtic went back in front within 60 seconds when Duran stabbed home an 87th-minute winner from six yards.
The win hands Celtic a fighting chance of progressing, with Portuguese second-tier side Torreense as their next opponents. But who caught the eye last night and who flattered to deceive on what turned into a long-overdue glory night at Celtic Park?
Sebastian Tounekti competes with Emirhan Topcu but in truth he had another shocker overall
CELTIC (4-2-3-1)
SAM JOHNSTONE – 4
Besiktas’ opener came from a bad kick-out. He does not look convincing with the ball at his feet and was lacking at the leveller.
JORDAN LOTOMBA – 1
Looks like a guy who hardly ever plays, but there are absolutely no excuses for the moronic tackle on Poka that gave away a spot-kick.
CAMERON CARTER-VICKER – 8
Really strong at the back before going off and did so much to repel a Besiktas side that couldn’t make their possession pay.
LIAM SCALES – 7
Made some individual errors in the first half but forced a great save with a header and generally did his job defensively.
KIERAN TIERNEY – 7
Did his bit in what was a decent defensive display before the subs came on and changed it. Also involved in the winner.
Benjamin Nygren tries his luck but it was another underwhelming evening for the big Swede
CALLUM McGREGOR – 5
Good pass to Osmand for the goal, but no one escapes criticism for a horrific first hour. Could he also have closed down Kokcu?
MIKA BAUR – 6
Improved as the game developed after an underwhelming first hour or so. Won some decent balls in midfield as Celtic prospered.
JAMES FORREST – 2.5
Forced a save with Celtic’s first shot on target on 50 minutes and earns some credit for that, but offered very little else before going off.
BENJAMIN NYGREN – 4
Wasted a great chance when blazing high and wide on seven minutes and just doesn’t offer enough regularly enough.
SEBASTIAN TOUNEKTI – 1
When is there going to be an acceptance that this guy isn’t up to the mark? Offered next to nothing before making way for Osmand.
Kasper Hogh cuts a desperate figure as he troops off at half-time on another blank evening
KASPER HOGH – 2
A jigsaw piece that has just made its way into the wrong box. Duran came on late on and changed everything. He’s the main man.
SUBSTITUTES: Callum Osmand (Tounekti 61), Colby Donovan (Lotomba 61), Camilo Duran (Forrest 61), Haissem Hassan (Hogh 78), Dane Murray (Carter-Vickers 78).
MARTIN O’NEILL – 2
Inspired subs? Hardly. His starting XI suggested Europe is not his priority. Just like his board. And that really isn’t acceptable.
BESIKTAS (4-2-3-1): Nubel; Murillo, Agbadou (Djalo 70), Topcu, Ouattara (Yilmaz 83); Olaitan, Salih Ozcan (Kokcu 76); Cerny (Fakili 83), Trossard, Poku; Oh (Vlahovic 70).
Referee: Sascha Stegemann (Germany) – 6
