UEFA Cup Thursday September 19th

Celtic 4

FK Suduva 0

1:0 Larsson (16); 2:0 Larsson (24); 3:0 Petrov (27); 4:0 Larsson (29); 5:0 Sutton (35); 6:0 Lambert (60); 7:0 Hartson (72); 8:0 Valgaeren (83); 8:1 Radenivicius (98)

Att:36,824

Ref: Miroslav Liva (Cze)

Celtic: Douglas; Balde, Valgaeren, Laursen (Crainey 60); Sylla, Lambert, Petrov, Lennon (Fernandez 60), Guppy; Larsson (Hartson 60), Sutton

As if to try in one match to disprove the aphorism that there are no easy games in Europe these days, along came this carefree band of hapless PE students and former tractor factory production line operatives from Lithuania. One of their officials was quoted as saying that Lithuania has lots of Celtic fans living there. Well, you would have sworn blind that eleven of them were playing for Suduva tonight, because they looked as if they were thrilled to be out there gazing up at the wonder that is Britain's most atmospheric sports stadium.

To be fair to the Celtic players, although they will face stiffer tests in the rounds ahead, they went about their business in a manner which entertained the crowd. Just as well, because there were a lot of people present who were clearly resenting the fact that we weren't watching Champions League football having paid Champions League prices for our season tickets.

The players went for their opponents straight from the kickoff and kept the tempo up for the whole of the first half, by which time it was 5:0 and Henrik Larsson had stuck the old tongue out three times within the first half hour. In doing so he equalled the record for goals in Europe set by McCoist.

Had Rab Douglas not had an aberration right at the end we might also have equalled our highest winning margin in Europe as well. As it is we'll just have to hope that the away goal doesn't come back to haunt us!

Pick of the goals was probably Petrov's volley from the edge of the box, technically brilliant and completely unstoppable, even from a 'keeper who - believe it or not - didn't have a bad game.

No need to send the full squad on the return journey, which might prove to be a bonus with the Old Firm game looming shortly afterwards.