KR Reykjavik vs Celtic: Callum McGregor targeting first-team place after giving Celtic winning start in Champions League second round qualifier

McGregor scored on his debut to give new manager Ronny Deila a winning start to his tenure at Celtic

Callum McGregor gave Celtic victory in their Champions League 1-0 victory over KR Reykjavik (Getty Images)

Celtic's Champions League qualifying goal hero Callum McGregor is looking for a regular first-team place at Parkhead this season.

In Ronny Deila's first competitive game since taking over from Neil Lennon last month, the Norwegian sprang something of a surprise when he handed the 21-year-old midfielder his competitive debut in the second qualifying round first leg against KR Reykjavik in Iceland.

But the Scotland Under-21 player, who spent a productive spell on loan at Notts County last season and impressed in pre-season friendlies, was to prove the difference.

In a frustrating night for the Scottish champions, Kris Commons, Leigh Griffiths and substitute Teemu Pukki all hit woodwork before 21-year-old McGregor drilled a shot low past home keeper Stefan Magnusson with seven minutes remaining to secure a 1-0 advantage for the return leg.

Match report: KR Reykjavik 0 Celtic 1

Now McGregor wants to keep his place.

He said: "I spent last season with Notts County in League One and I feel I have come back a better player. I feel that I am mentally ready to make the challenge.

"When you come back here you don't want to leave. Being at Celtic means the world to me so if I can be here for a long time I will be delighted.

"Once I come in on Thursday I will get my head down and get working and strive to be better every day.

"But to score in the Champions League for Celtic - I have been there since I was nine years old - was a dream come true.

"It was a little bit of relief with it being 0-0 but I was absolutely delighted.

"It was a big night for the club, to strive to get Champions League football again, and that might be the goal that takes us through to the next round so I am absolutely delighted."

On McGregor's performance, Deila said: "I think he did well on his debut.

"He has big talent but I want him to be more direct, go forward more and link up more with the full-back, but that will come and I am very happy for him that he scored a goal."

PA