Paddy McCourt seized an early chance to prove he can fill Aiden McGeady's boots as his superb strike earned Celtic a winning start to their Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign at Inverness.
The winger was handed the left-wing berth 24 hours after McGeady completed his £9.5million move to Spartak Moscow and he repaid Neil Lennon in style in the 56th minute as Celtic recovered from a slow start to produce a commanding second-half display.
McCourt beat three men before finishing brilliantly in a goal reminiscent of his solo efforts against St Mirren and Falkirk last season, although he paid the price as he suffered a head knock that ended his involvement.
Lennon would have been equally pleased to see his defence keep their first clean sheet since the summer break, a run that included eight friendlies and two Champions League games against Sporting Braga.
Source: PA