Ledley, Samaras deliver for Bhoys

Celtic eased into the Champions League play-offs thanks to goals from Joe Ledley and Georgios Samaras in their third qualifier against HJK Helsinki at the Sonera Stadium last night.

The Wales international bundled Charlie Mulgrew’s cross home in the 66th minute before Samaras scored five minutes from the end to give the Scottish champions a 4-1 aggregate win and only their second away victory in Europe in 34 attempts.

Manager Neil Lennon expressed his delight afterwards and said he looked forward to the next round. “I am thrilled, absolutely thrilled for the players, the backroom team, the supporters and the club,” said Lennon.