Champions League: James Forrest strike takes Celtic through to group stages

James Forrest’s stoppage-time strike took Celtic into the Champions League group stage after a dramatic aggregate (3-2) win over Shakhter Karagandy.

It took a Kris Commons goal goal in added time in the first half for Celtic to reduce the 2-0 first-leg deficit, followed swiftly by Georgios Samaras three minutes into the second half.

On target: Georgios Samaras celebrates — Georgios Samaras was right on target with the second goal

Both sides struck the crossbar before Anthony Stokes set up Forrest to fire home for a deserved win for the Glasgow side.

Jump for joy: Neil Lennon celebrates after a wild run down the touchline — Celtic manager Neil Lennon celebrates with a joyus run down the touchline

Talking after the nail biting finish, Celtic manger Neil Lennon admitted he was nervous ahead of the game.

“Of course there was a time when I wondered if we had enough to make it.”

“When you are 2-0 down, particularly having missed good chances last week, you wonder if Hooper would have been the difference if he had been playing.

“Sami wasn’t at his best last week, but he was certainly in the mood tonight. Jamesie wasn’t at his best last week, but was certainly in the mood tonight. That made all the difference to us.

“Kris Commons has been exceptional in both the ties. They have shown immense character. People always use the word bottle, but I like to think they have shown fantastic talent as well.”