Griffiths hits century mark as Celtic stroll to group stage

Celtic 3 Suduva 0

Celtic's Leigh Griffiths celebrates scoring their first goal Photo: Reuters/Russell Cheyne

Independent.ie Sportsdesk

August 31 2018 02:30 AM

Leigh Griffiths scored his 100th goal for Celtic as they booked their place in the group stage of the Europa League with an easy win at Parkhead.

The win was set up in the 27th minute when the Scotland striker curled in a textbook free-kick from 25 yards to reach his century.

Callum MacGregor of Celtic scores their second goal. Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Midfielder Callum McGregor added a second seven minutes after the break before defender Kristoffer Ajer headed in his first goal for Celtic just after the hour mark.

Substitute Jonny Hayes had the ball in the net late on only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

After being knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by AEK Athens, manager Brendan Rodgers had stressed the need for European football until at least Christmas and his side delivered that with some style, albeit against limited opponents.

The Scottish champions join Rangers in today's draw and both Glasgow clubs being in Europe will add some more spice, if needed, to Steven Gerrard's first Old Firm game as Ibrox boss on Sunday.

Kristoffer Ajer of Celtic scores their third goal. Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Whether Moussa Dembele features is another question. Before the game Rodgers revealed that Celtic had rejected a bid for the French striker, with Lyon having confirmed their interest in the 22-year-old, who has also been linked with Marseille.

Dembele, who skipped training on Wednesday to have talks with the Parkhead board, moved to the Scottish champions from Fulham two seasons ago.