Celtic kicked off their Premiership title defence with a 1-0 win over Dundee, but the victory was overshadowed by renewed 'sack the board' chants from the ultras section and a frustrating debut for record signing Kasper Hogh.
The match, moved to Monday night due to cycling events across the road, saw Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels start despite interest from West Ham and Everton. Martin O'Neill's side struggled in a lacklustre first half before Benjamin Nygren's header after the restart secured the points.
Hogh's debut to forget
Hogh, the £11m striker from Bodo/Glimt, drew a blank on his competitive debut, wasting several first-half chances. The pony-tailed forward scuffed one shot wide, steered another wide from close range, and saw a third deflected over after neat link-up play with Nygren.
Camilo Duran, the £6m arrival from Qarabag, was shifted out right to accommodate Hogh and lost some of his spark. O'Neill has hinted at tweaking his system to fit both up front, but the need for wingers is becoming desperate.
Nygren delivers again
Nygren, the Swedish World Cup star, opened his goal account with a clinical header from Kieran Tierney's cross. The £1.7m bargain signing scored 21 goals in his debut campaign and is tipped for a big-money exit, but O'Neill will be in no rush to lose him before the Champions League play-off.
The Hoops face Austrian side LASK in the Champions League play-off, a tie worth £40m and the richest in their history. With 14 players shipped out and only two arrivals, fans are anxious about the squad's readiness, especially in a season marking 60 years since the Lisbon Lions.
Dundee impress in defeat
Dundee, managed by Steven Pressley, more than held their own. Despite losing key players like Jon McCracken, Luke Graham, and Billy Koumetio, they threatened early through Charlie Reilly and Simon Murray. Viljami Sinisalo made a top-drawer save to deny Ashley Hay, and Ethan Hamilton rattled a long-range effort.
Callum McGregor smashed the woodwork at the other end as Celtic clung on. Dundee finished eighth last season and with additions, they could push for a top-six finish.
