LEIGH Griffiths probably would have been delighted to score his first goal since returning from lengthy sabbatical from football from just a few yards out given everything he has been through during the last seven months.

The indomitable Celtic striker, though, has never been one for doing things by halves. He got his name back on the scoresheet in this comfortable victory in typically spectacular fashion with one of his trademark long-range free-kicks.

His side was leading 2-0 and well on their way to a result which should, barring a catastrophic second leg collapse in Tallin next week, ensure their safe passage to the next round of Champions League qualifying when he struck in added-on time at the end of the first-half.

But seeing a much-loved player whip a shot over the defensive wall, beyond the outstretched Nomme Kalju goalkeeper Pavel Londak and into the top right corner from fully 25 yards out still brought the crowd to its feet.

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It was a hugely emotional moment for the man who has been bravely battling depression. He ran to the corner flag to celebrate before dropping to his knees and holding his face in his hands at the realisation of what he had done. Every one of his team mates bar goalkeeper Scott Bain ran over to congratulate the popular forward on his stunning effort.

It was his first goal since he hit the target against Hamilton in a Ladbrokes Premiership match at the Superseal Stadium way back in November and his first at Parkhead since he nodded home a late winner in a Europa League group game against Rosenborg in September.

Griffiths, who only made his first appearance since December as a late substitute in the meeting with Sarajevo last week, was replaced by Lewis Morgan just before the hour mark to another huge ovation. But this was another significant milestone on his long road to recovery.

The resounding 5-0 triumph that Neil Lennon’s team eased to – Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Chrstie both got their names on the scoresheet in the first-half, the latter bagged a brace in the second and Callum McGregor added a fifth late on - should ensure they go through to the third round to face either CFR Cluj or Romania or Maccabi Tel-Aviv of Israel.

Yet, having Griffiths fit and available again and doing what he does best also augurs well for their future European prospects. Too much was asked of Odsonne Edouard in the second-half of last season. The young French forward acquitted himself brilliantly. But Celtic now have additional firepower.

Griffiths was named in the starting line-up up front alongside his fellow forward Edouard. The opposition from Estonia may not have been particularly formidable. But the prospect of Celtic playing those two in attack going forward is a tantalising one for their supporters.

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Lennon played with a midfield diamond with Scott Brown at the base, James Forrest on the right, Callum McGregor on the left and Christie just off the front two. Their rivals, though, were clearly intent on damage limitation proved difficult to break down initially.

When Peeter Klein just failed to get on the end of a Liliu delivery into the Celtic six yard box after 15 minutes there was a nervous sigh around the stadium. Conceding an away gaol at that early stage would have costly.

There was a healthy turnout inside Parkhead despite the match not being available to season ticket holders and entry costing £25 for an adult. They finally got something to cheer in the the 36th minute when the home side finally, to the relief of the majority of those inside the ground, edged in front.

Griffiths got his head to a Christie free-kick and probably would have netted but Ajer nipped in and applied the finishing touch to break the deadlock.

New signing Boli Bolingoli limped off shortly after his and was replaced at left back by Mikey Johnston. But Celtic continued to dominate possession despite the enforced change. They forged further ahead when Danish referee Jakob Kehlet ruled that Aleksandr Kulinits had handled the ball inside his own area two minutes before half-time.

Griffiths’s moment of magic put his team three goals in front and was the perfect end to a highly satisfactory opening 45 minutes.

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Celtic continued where they had left off in the second-half and well-taken goals from the edge of the Kalju area from Christie and McGregor. Bain, who added to his impressive haul of clean sheets, had a quiet evening in goals with virtually nothing to do.

Christie, who himself spent the final weeks of last season on the sidelines after suffering a horrific facial injury in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final, has now netted three goals in as many games in the 2019/20 campaign and appears to have fully recovered.

Fans love to see their club bring in new faces at this stage in the season - and Israeli defender Hatem Abd Elhamed, who completed his £1.6 million move to Celtic earlier in the day, was paraded on the pitch at half-time – but getting Christie and Griffiths back will be like making two new signings for Lennon and

Olivier Ntcham, the French midfielder who has been linked with a move way from Glasgow this summer, took over from Christie for the closing stages to make his first appearance of the new season and helped Celtic see out a thoroughly professional win.