McCowan strikes late on as Celtic start with win over St Mirren

Celtic began their Scottish Premiership season with a victory, but were far from convincing as they struggled to break down a resilient St Mirren.

Luke McCowan’s deflected 87th-minute effort split the sides in what was a frustrating match for Celtic, their lack of intensity coupled with solid defending reducing them to few clear cut chances.

Their best chance fell to new boy Benjamin Nygren, but the Swede’s attempt from a low Daizen Maeda cross was pushed on to a post by goalkeeper Shamal George, who then did well to get to the rebound.

Before kick off there was a mixture of emotion and celebration as Celtic fans paid tribute to Lisbon Lions John Clark and John Fallon, who died during the summer, then watched former captain Paul McStay unfurl the championship flag.

But rather than the occasion inspiring Brendan Rodgers’ side, it took them a while to find their feet.

Celtic stepped up a gear in the second half, and did have the ball in the net, but Callum McGregor’s effort was ruled out after the VAR officials determined that the captain controlled the ball with his arm in the build up.

While St Mirren performed some heroics defensively, they couldn’t keep out McCowan’s strike from the edge of the area, the substitute’s shot taking a significant deflection off Mark O’Hara before evading George.

A lot has been said about Celtic’s summer transfer business – not least by Rodgers – and the lack of a new striker has been a major talking point.

Adam Idah was given a chance to stake his claim to lead the line, but struggled to make an impact.

The Ireland international did find himself in decent areas at times, and used his physicality to hold up the ball, but was repeatedly caught offside and rarely threatened to score.

Further questions will be asked as to whether he’s the man to lead the Celtic attack.

St Mirren will take plenty from this although they will be sore about not taking a point. They were competitive throughout and that will give them huge confidence.

St Mirren’s back three of Richard King, Alex Gogic and Marcus Fraser were tested but they held firm and made important blocks, tackles and cleared dangerous balls.

Goalkeeper George, who joined the Paisley side on loan from Wycombe Wanderers, also made some fine saves. He’s a big presence and played with confidence.

Everyone knew what Kieran Tierney would bring to Celtic on his return.

There was plenty of skill, poise and pace from the former Arsenal man, who was a threat down that left side, and will be a key player just as he was in his first stint.

The Scotland defender left the field just after the hour, apparently injured, but Rodgers said Tierney was fine.