Fast-starting Celtic see off Utrecht to book Europa League play-off spot

Celtic set up a Europa League play-off clash with either Ferencvaros or Stuttgart after beating Dutch side FC Utrecht 4-2 in their final group stage match at Celtic Park.

An early strike from Benjamin Nygren, an own goal from Nick Viergever and an Arne Engels penalty looked to have Celtic coasting, only for Utrecht to narrow the deficit thanks to efforts from Dani de Wit and Adrian Blake.

A fourth goal, though, from Auston Trusty secured Celtic’s safe passage through to Friday’s draw, where they will be paired with either Ferencvaros of Hungary or German side Stuttgart in a two-legged tie to be played on February 19 and 26.

Celtic knew beforehand they would likely need a victory to progress against a Utrecht side already eliminated from the competition and duly got the job done, albeit with that mid-game wobble.

Martin O’Neill made two enforced changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Hearts at Tynecastle. Out went their two recent loan signings, Tomas Cvancara and Julian Araujo, both ineligible, replaced by Sebastian Tounekti and Colby Donovan.

Former Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas started for a Utrecht side who had taken just one point from their previous seven group stage matches before arriving in Glasgow.

Barkas was soon picking the ball out of his net as Celtic forged into the lead after just six minutes.

Donovan worked a short corner with Callum McGregor before getting the return pass and then picking out Kieran Tierney. The Scotland defender drove to the line before crossing for Nygren to tap in for a simple goal.

Celtic doubled their lead in the 10th minute thanks largely to a mistake from Barkas, whose attempted pass to Mike van der Hoorn was easily picked off by Nygren.

The Swede’s cross was deflected into