DAVID TURNBULL grabbed his first objective for Celtic as Neil Lennon picked up a much-needed win at Parkhead.
The Hoops went into the conflict missing confidence after selecting up simply two wins of their final 12 outings.
Turnbull is delighted after netting his first Celtic objective and winner
Celtic star confirmed nice composure with a wonderful objective Credit score: Kenny Ramsay – The Solar Glasgow
However they confirmed nice character all through as objectives from Christopher Jullien, a Callum McGregor penalty and a Turnbull strike earned the Hoops all three factors in a five-goal thriller.
Jonathan Ikone and Celtic outdated boy Timo Weah had been heading in the right direction for the guests because the hosts picked up their first win of the group stage within the last match.
With the Europa League marketing campaign already over and simply delight at stake Lennon made six adjustments to the workforce that drew 1-1 with St Johnstone final day out.
Conor Hazard was handed his first-team debut in objectives with Turnbull, Ismaila Soro, Patryk Kilmala, Shane Duffy and Mohamed Elyounoussi all handed begins.
The hosts created their first likelihood of the sport by Turnbull however his long-range effort was astray after some constructive play.
Jullien’s header places Celtic forward towards Lille Credit score: Kenny Ramsay – The Solar Glasgow
Two minutes later Jeremie Frimpong took a sore one after sliding into the promoting boards however fortunately he acquired again to his ft and was capable of proceed however later within the first interval he hobbled off to get replaced by Ewan Henderson.
Hazard had a quiet opening 20 minutes on his dwelling debut with the French aspect failing to check the teenager. The closest they got here was a free-kick from Yusuf Yazici but it surely flew over the bar.
On the different finish Patryk Klimala unleashed a robust drive however Mike Maignan was capable of push his effort away because the Hoops began to look much more assured.
And so they had been rewarded within the twenty first minute with a nice objective.
Lille keeper cannot get close to Celtic Credit score: Getty Photos – Getty
Turnbull’s wonderful nook into the six-yard field was simply asking to be completed and massive Jullien was readily available to go dwelling.
Nevertheless, simply two minutes later the French outfit had been stage.
Conceding objectives has been an actual subject for Celtic this season, significantly in Europe, and a mistake from McGregor within the midfield was punished in model from the guests.
The stand-in skipper hooked the ball into the trail of Yazici who performed a low ball throughout the six-yard field and Ikone was readily available to supply a easy end.
Weah scores towards his former membership to make it 2-2 between Celtic and LilleCredit score: PA:Press Affiliation
Regardless of the setback, Celtic responded brilliantly and had been again in entrance moments later in a loopy five-minute spell within the first half. Turnbull performed in Frimpong who was fouled within the field.
And McGregor made up for his earlier error by smashing the ball past Maignan to revive Celtic’s benefit.
5 minutes from the break Lille’s Jonathan David had a shot blocked earlier than Turnbull once more tried his luck from vary however he pulled his effort previous the submit.
Frimpong took a sore one as he was despatched crashing into promoting boardsCredit score: Reuters
The second interval began a lot quieter however Turnbull’s deliveries from set-pieces seemed harmful each time whether or not it was free-kicks or corners.
Celtic seemed filled with confidence with their children impressing on the massive stage.
Nevertheless, they had been respiration a sigh of aid simply on the hour as Cheikh Niasse strike throughout objective got here off the stretching McGregor and hit the woodwork earlier than rolling out for a nook.
Turnbull was then inches away from his first objective for Celtic after gathering a ball from Kristoffer Ajer on the half flip earlier than getting a shot off at objective but it surely took a nick and simply landed on the mistaken aspect of the submit.
McGregor is hailed by his Celtic team-mates after scoring from spot
With 20 minutes left on the clock, Celtic outdated boy Weah got here again to hang-out his outdated membership after firing low past Hazard after the ball dropped properly to him following a clearance from a set play.
However the Hoops responded as soon as once more and a very good run and ball into the field from Ajer discovered Turnbull, who expertly stroked the ball into the far nook. The strike introduced out an enormous cheer from boss Lennon.
Rookie keeper Hazard was then known as upon to make an enormous save along with his ft because the clock continued to tick in direction of full-time.
Lennon will likely be hoping this win is the beginning of a constructive run because the Scottish champions intention to get again on monitor.
The main focus now shifts to Sunday’s Premiership conflict with Kilmarnock earlier than the Scottish Cup Remaining showdown with Hearts subsequent weekend.
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