FC Astana 1
Celtic 1
Republic of Ireland under-21 international Eoghan O'Connell shone on his European debut for Celtic who have Leigh Griffiths to thank for snatching a crucial Champions League away goal.
FC Astana took advantage of some lackadaisical set-piece defending by the Hoops who will need to work a bit more on their zonal marking at corners.
O'Connell lost defender Yuri Logvinenko who headed home in the 19th minute but goalkeeper Craig Gordon was also at fault coming off his line and not getting near the ball.
O'Connell bounced back from that early setback and for the rest of the game looked to be a young man with a mature head on his shoulders, prompting praise from manager Brendan Rodgers afterwards.
"Thought he was outstanding as a young player coming into that environment. Proud of him and the young players.
"Two 19 year olds in Roberts and Tierney, they kept fighting. Eoghan’s 20, others young, and showing ability to fight."
Celtic plugged away but failed to create anything of note and they failed to get a shot on target until the equaliser, while the hosts looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
Step up Patrick Roberts who got to the bye-line in the opposition box before cutting the ball back to Griiffiths and his sweet left-foot finish hit the top corner.
Celtic welcome FC Astana to Parkhead next Wednesday night and O'Connell will be a happy man if he jumps on Twitter tonight!
BR on Eoghan O'Connell: "Thought he was outstanding as a young player coming into that environment. Proud of him and the young players."
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) July 27, 2016
Leigh Griffiths scored #Celtic's away goal in 1-1 draw v Astana. Youngsters Kieran Tierney & Eoghan O'Connell very impressive. #UCL #Live
— Barry Anderson (@BarryAnderson_) July 27, 2016
Big Eoghan O'Connell has been absolutely incredible
— Darryl (@beveridge1994) July 27, 2016
Eoghan O'Connell has been immense today. So composed for a 20 year old in the biggest game of his career. Really, really impressed ðŸ€
— Conor Wisdom (@ConorWisdom) July 27, 2016
