No Trouble at Tannadice​

Dundee United 1-3 Celtic: Attentions now turn to Tuesdays tie in Sweden

Sandwiched in between two massive Champions League nights, and having made 9 changes to the starting line-up, the lunchtime trip to Tannadice was a potential early season banana skin for Deila's men. But, when red-hot Leigh Griffiths opened the scoring after 17 minutes, a relatively comfortable afternoon followed.

The only two players to keep their place, Griffiths and left-back Emilio Izaguirre, combined to put Celtic in front in a first-half dominated by the visitors. German stopper, Luis Zwick, was instrumental in keeping United in the tie, with two fine saves from Kris Commons particularly impressive.

A comedy own goal from Mark Durnan doubled Celtic's advantage, before Chris Erksine slotted a penalty past Logan Bailly after a clumsy challenge from Efe Ambrose. Callum McGregor's deflected 74th minute strike restored the visitors two-goal lead, and sealed the three points.

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Celtic controlled the match in the first half, but the second half was a different story. Perhaps tiredness was creeping in, which is plausible given the lack of match sharpness among the side, but a sloppy and disjointed second period won't have pleased Ronny Deila.
The lack of clean sheets in recent matches will be a concern, too. For a side that has been in such fine defensive form in recent months, The Hoops have now conceded 7 goals in the last 4 matches, a trend they'll need to reverse if they are to reach the Champions League group stages.

With the attentions now turning to Tuesdays tie against Malmo FF, we assess which players might have forced themselves into the managers plans.

Logan Bailly - 6
A few shaky moments from the Belgian on his Celtic debut, he has no chance of dislodging Craig Gordon.

Saidy Janko - 7
A solid performance from the former Manchester United player. Powerful, purposeful and pacey going forward, but rarely tested defensively.

Efe Ambrose - 6
A rash challenge from the Nigerian internationalist gave United a way back into the game. However, his pace, height and experience may see him replace Mikael Lustig at right-back, who remains an injury doubt.

Eoghan O'Connell - 6
Not overly impressive, but didn't do too much wrong, either.

Emilio Izaguirre - 7
Never stops playing football. With Mulgrew lacking match sharpness, Emilio is a stick-on to start on Tuesday.

Charlie Mulgrew - 6
Played well enough in the hour he got, but expect to see Brown and Bitton restored to the line-up.

Tom Rogic - 7
The young Aussie showed he can play the deeper role in the managers preferred system. Calm and composed, and a few neat pieces of skill mean he will likely be a part of Deila's plans in the coming months.

Gary Mackay-Steven - 6
Not fulfilling his pre-season promise yet, but his pace and dribbling ability could be useful on Tuesday, but probably from the bench.

Kris Commons - 7
Some lovely movement and touches saw him bring the best out of United's 'keeper, but he was toiling towards the end. Likely to be a substitute, but should play some part in Sweden.

Anthony Stokes - 6
Some terrific movement and link-up play, but the Irishman is badly lacking fitness and confidence. Several heavy touches in the second half won't have helped his case.

Leigh Griffiths - 7
Razor sharp and always looking to dart in behind. With Malmo likely to come out and attack on Tuesday, Griffiths' pace in behind might be crucial in seeing The Bhoys into the group stages. Must start.

No new injuries, and another 3 points on the board represents a thoroughly positive day for Celtic ahead of the make-or-break match on Tuesday.