Half-Time Report: Gary Mackay-Steven puts Celtic ahead against Dundee

A first-half goal from Gary Mackay-Steven has given Celtic a 1-0 lead over Dundee in their Scottish Premiership clash at Dens Park this evening.

The home side tried to create an opening early on when Jason Denayer was forced to turn the ball behind for a corner, but Paul McGinn's delivery was easily gathered by Craig Gordon.

Stuart Armstrong soon got Celtic in a strong position down the other end, crossing the ball in towards Mackay-Steven, but his half-volley was struck just high of the crossbar.

Armstrong continued to create problems for the Dundee defence as he quickly fired the ball forward again for Virgil van Dijk, but he was unable to get any power behind his headed finish.

The visitors continued to look the more likely as Efe Ambrose got forward, leaving Scott Bain to fumble his cross, but James Forrest could not reach it in time, while another cross a few minutes later needed the keeper to parry.

Celtic finally opened the scoring with just over half an hour played, with Armstrong linking up with Mackay-Steven again, leaving the latter to smash the ball in from close range after Van Dijk flicked Armstrong's free kick on.

The goalscorer had a chance to set up a second for the Scottish champions shortly before the break as he squared the ball for Leigh Griffiths, but his curling effort from outside the box finished just wide.