BENJAMIN NYGREN enjoyed playing a starring role in Celtic’s version of the Fast Show at Parkhead last night.
The Hoops had planned to go at FC Utrecht right from the off and, following a whirlwind 19 minutes, the hosts were 3-0 ahead as they hurtled into the knock-out stages of the Europa League.
Nygren got the ball rolling in the sixth minute when he materialised at the near post to sweep a cute cut-back from Kieran Tierney past the stranded Vasilis Barkas.
Four minutes later, the Swede, a bargain £1.7million arrival in the summer, seized on a loose pass from the former Hoops keeper to flash over a low cross. Daizen Maeda was about to apply the finishing touch before defender Nick Viergever lunged in to divert the ball into his own net.
PICK IT OUT…Benjamin Nygren slots the ball behind FC Utrecht keeper Vasilis Barkas to give Celtic the perfect start in the Europa League clash.
Arne Engels thrashed No.3 past Barkas from the penalty spot and, following a brief comeback bid from the Dutch outfit in which they claimed two goals, Auston Trusty crashed in a header for the fourth and killer goal.
Nygren, who hoisted his goal tally to 14 with last night’s effort, told Celtic TV: “All we wanted was to get the win and get to the next round, so I’m very happy.
“We spoke about it a lot, not to give them any time on the ball and we came out flying, pressed them as hard as we could and we got three pretty quick goals just like we wanted.
“Naturally, every goal counts. I just try to be in the right positions all the time in the box and then balls will come.”
Asked if he had a preference of which team to face with Ferencvaros or VfB Stuttgart awaiting Celtic into this afternoon’s draw, answered: “Either team will be fine.
“We’re just happy to get to the next round and we’re looking forward to doing well in this competition.”
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