CELTIC secured a confident 2-0 win over Swedish champions AIK this evening (Thursday) in the first round of their UEFA Europa League play-off encounter. Here, we look at five talking points from a comprehensive outing from Neil Lennon's side.

FORREST FIVE
When Celtic scored seven goals without reply against St Johnstone on Flag Day at Paradise, it was almost strange not having James Forrest on the scoresheet. In all fairness, he did assist twice that afternoon, and has since impressed in front of goal, having scored five times in as many matches. Tonight’s strike saw the 28-year-old capitalise on a loose ball before battering the ball home despite a strong hand from on-form keep Oscar Linner.

TIRELESS CHRISTIE
Despite only making his Celtic breakthrough last season, it’s hard to imagine a Celtic starting XI without Ryan Christie. The 24-year-old was influential from start to finish this evening, and played an integral part in almost all of the home side’s attacks and opportunities in front of goal. The attacking midfielder looked a threat every time he strode towards goal and also defended with the cool level-headedness of a player well beyond his years.

CONFIDENT KRIS
Hoops boss Neil Lennon has praised Kris Ajer’s versatility time and time again, and with good reason. Slotting in once again in his less familiar right-back role, the towering Norwegian was, like team-mate Christie, as confident holding the line at the back as he was bursting down the right flank at the opposite end. A comfortable, composed and confident display from the 21-year-old who is clearly enjoying his time on the pitch at the moment.

I WANNA BE EDOUARD
Another big game, another big goal for the Frenchman who bagged his fifth goal in nine appearances so far this season. Although marked out of the game for long periods, his thundering free-kick from 25 yards was a thing of beauty, and his link-up play with James Forrest, Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor was equally impressive.

THE LAST WORD…
Neil Lennon was delighted with the victory over AIK, saying after the match: 'It was an outstanding performance, and a great team performance. We played well in the first-half, but I thought we were magnificent in the second. Some of the football we played was great and we scored some fantastic goals.'

Five quick-fire talking points from Celtic's Europa League win