Celtic began their defence of the Scottish Premiership title with a narrow 1-0 win over Dundee.

After a quiet first half which saw £11million summer signing Kasper Hogh go the closest with three efforts, Benjamin Nygren headed the champions in front early in the second half by finishing off a Kieran Tierney cross.

Ex-Arsenal left-back Tierney put in a sumptuous ball which gave Nygren the easiest of opportunities to nod the hosts in front.

It was a far from comfortable evening for the Hoops, but the game probably should have been wrapped up, with Hogh enduring a frustrating first league outing with a number of missed opportunities, with Arne Engels also missing a gilt-etched chance.

And then late on, a brilliant Viljami Sinisalo save had to deny Ashley Hay from equalising late on for Dundee, with Charlie Reilly also firing into the side netting after a neat lay-off from Simon Murray in the first half 

But Celtic also had further chances to extend their lead, with new boy Hogh poking wide once againb before Callum McGregor smashed the post late on.

It was nervier than it had to be, but Martin O’Neill’s men were able to see out the victory and begin the campaign with three points at Celtic Park.

The Hoops travel to Kilmarnock in the league next Sunday before facing Dundee United in the Scottish League Cup. They then host Austrian side Lask in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying play-off following the draw earlier on Monday.