Celtic 4-1 Kilmarnock

On the day Celtic celebrated their 40th league title by unfurling the championship flag, the Bhoys played like Champions by cruising to an opening-day victory over Kilmarnock. The disapointment felt by thousands of Celtic fans unable to witness the unfurling of the championship flag due to teething problems with the new season card system was quickly forgotton about as the team eased to victory and continued Kilmarnock's dismal run without a win in Glasgow to 51 years.

Gordon Strachan named new signings Jarosik, Caldwell and Miller in the starting line-up for the match with Paul Telfer being a surprise omission from the squad. Mark Wilson was moved to his natural right-back position and Mo Camara started on the left despite induring a torrid time in Wednesday nights horror show against Manchester United.

Celtic started brightly and infact Camara's runs and crosses were the early inspiration for Celtic, who created the better early chances which seen Miller and Nakamura both slice volleys wide at the back post as Celtic pushed for the opener. However Kilmarnock were enjoying an equal amount of first-half possession and Naismith ought to have given the visitors the lead after pouncing on Caldwell's poor control. The impressive youngster shot straight at the chest of Artur Boruc and the Polish no.1 saved brilliantly at the striker's feet when he attempted to score at the second attempt.

Celtic capatilised on this miss when sloppy control from Lilley allowed the lively Miller to steal the ball and deliver an exqusite crossfield ball to the unmarked Zurawski, who drilled it low into the net from 10 yards for the opening goal despite a desperate attempt on the line from the Kilmarnock defence to prevent it.

The Celtic fans only had to wait just over ten minutes for another goal to celebrate. Zurawski curled in an inviting cross that the rising Jarosik directed in off the far post via his shoulder from just inside the box. It was the giant Czech's first goal for the club in what was a very impressive competitive debut for the midfielder which saw him being given the man of the match award in the staduim.

Celtic were now in total command of the match and after the break Zurawski and McGeady both went close, sending drives just wide. Goalkeeper Smith then had to be quick off his line to save at the feet of Miller. Nakamura's set-pieces were also causing Kilmarnock all kinds of problems and Celtic could have added to their lead if it wasn't for Garry Hay clearing a Caldwell header off the line following a corner kick.

And it was a Nakamura set-piece that killed off Kilmarnock with a curling free-kick into the corner of the net from 20 yards. It was a superb free-kick that we have came to take for granted from the Japanese star.

Naismith pounced after Celtic's defence failed to clear their lines for a consolation goal three minutes from time before Zurawski restored the three goal advantage with a fine finish for his brace in injury time. This was a really good performance from the Champions and should go some way to quieting the doom mongers who already had written off Celtic's chances due to results in meaningless friendlies. The players looked really sharp and match fit as a direct result of the pre-season schedule which was a huge advantage today. This was the perfect start to the season and the four goals from a team who were heavily criticised for supposedly lacking fire power sent the masses home happy.


Celtic (4-4-2):

Boruc

Wilson Caldwell McManus Camara

Nakamura Petrov Jarosik(Sno 84) McGeady

Zurawski Miller(Riordan 88)

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Wallace, Varga, Lawson, Thompson.

Goals:
Zurawski 25
Jarosik 38
Nakamura 75
Zurawski 90


Kilmarnock: Smith, Fowler, Lilley, Greer, Hay, Naismith, Johnston, Frazer Wright, Di Giacomo(Leven 69), Invincibile, Nish(Wales 63)

Subs Not Used: Bell, Grant Murray, O'Leary, Hamill, Stephen Murray

Goals:
Naismith 87


Attendance: 54,620

Referee: I Brines