Champions Celtic start new season with Dundee win

The Sweden midfielder, Celtic's leading scorer with 21 goals in all competitions last season, opened his account for the new campaign when he nodded in Kieran Tierney's cross in the 52nd minute.

"The most important thing is to win the game," Celtic manager Martin O'Neill told the BBC.

"We created a number of chances, but I didn't think we played particularly well. We could have played with more intensity - it was a typical opening game of the season."

Before kick-off, Celtic captain Callum McGregor unfurled the champions flag to celebrate the club's 14th Scottish title in 15 seasons and a fifth consecutive league crown.

Celtic's domestic double under interim boss O'Neill last season convinced the club to retain the 74-year-old on a permanent deal.

But the board's parsimonious approach to the transfer market is a bone of contention for frustrated fans who continue to call for new recruits.

"We are doing our utmost to get people in. With about 15 days until the Champions League game, we would like to have people in," said O'Neill, whose side face Austrian club LASK in the play-off round.

"Overall, we are trying to improve the squad with quality. Quality costs and we're doing our best."

O'Neill handed debuts to Colombian striker Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, the Denmark forward who cost a club-record £11 million plus add-ons from Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.

Celtic pipped Hearts to the title after a thrilling conclusion to last season, but they struggled to get going in the opening 45 minutes of the new campaign.

The breakthrough came shortly after the restart when Tierney delivered an inviting cross from the left and Nygren headed beyond Dundee goalkeeper Owen Goodman.

Celtic pushed for a second goal but were grateful to Viljami Sinisalo for a fine save he made to keep out Dundee substitute Ashley Hay's glancing header.

McGregor struck the post late on as Celtic opened their latest title defence with a victory that could have been more comfortable, though the performance was not entirely convincing.