Celtic close in on Champions League progression over Stjarnan

Celtic can take another step closer to securing Champions League qualification, as they go into their second leg clash with Icelandic side Stjarnan with a two-goal lead from the opening encounter at Parkhead.

On home soil, the Bhoys comfortably rallied to a 2-0 triumph, with new defensive acquisition Dedryck Boyata netting first before half-time and Stefan Johansen doubling the gap just after the break.

The Hoops are 16/5 with Coral to secure victory with both teams getting on the scoresheet, while the trailing Icelandic outfit are 11/2 to cause a shock and win in 90 minutes.

Deila’s Scottish Premiership champions face a tough away test, though, as the Glasgow giants travel to play on an artificial pitch in front of a 1000-capacity crowd.

However, Celtic come into the meeting in good form, having recently dispatched La Liga side Eibar 4-1 in a pre-season friendly, with Leigh Griffiths slotting home a terrific treble in the Basque country.

The Hoops hitman is expecting a much more difficult test on their long trip to Iceland, though.

“It [the Eibar game] was a good test for us going into Wednesday night,” Griffiths stated.

“We got the win last Wednesday, but I don’t think we played as well as we could have and we showed against Eibar what we’re all about.

“I got 90 minutes so I’m feeling sharp, but it’s a different kettle of fish on Wednesday night with the Champions League.