Celtic 1 Shaktar Donetsk 0: Celtic breathed new hope into their hitherto unproductive European campaign last night, when they achieved a deserved victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Yet with only two matches remaining, against Barcelona at Camp Nou, and then Milan back in Glasgow, it is difficult to assess just how important these three points will prove to be. Reaching the next stage of this tournament may still be beyond them, though, but at least a UEFA Cup place has become a real possibility.

Celtic were helped by a somewhat indisciplined Ukrainian team who had their captain Anatoly Tymoshchuk sent off in the first half, to be joined by his team-mate Cosmin Barcauan in the second.

This was always going to be a significant test for Celtic and their task was made more difficult by the absence Bobo Balde and Chris Sutton, through injury. Yet there was also an unforced change from manager Martin O'Neill, one that raised a few eyebrows. Aiden McGeady, only 18, started in place of Juninho.

Ironically Shakhtar's own golden child, Ciprian Marica, was the only change to the team who won the first game 3-0, and his place was taken by Darijo Srna.

While Marica stewed on the bench, the young Celtic midfielder found an impressive early touch to help set up a move inside 45 seconds that should have led to the opening goal. McGeady found Alan Thompson, who found John Hartson, and his quick ball sent Henri Camara away, albeit in a less central position than he would have liked, and his shot skewered well wide.

There was a decent start from Celtic. Joos Valgaeren headed straight at Jan Lastuvka before the Ukrainians found their feet.

Celtic forced the pace and after 25 minutes went ahead in bizarre circumstances. Goalkeeper Lastuvka, who had been warned about wasting time, was penalised for holding the ball for 13 seconds, seven more than the regulations allow, and presented with a free-kick in the middle of the area 16 yards out, Stilian Petrov touched the ball to Alan Thompson whose drive beat the goalkeeper easily.

Celtic were grateful and things got better and better for the home team as Shakhtar struggled to shake off that blow. After 40 minutes Cosmin Barcauan was booked for dissent and two minutes later Camara, moving swiftly on to a pass from McGeady, was chopped down by the last man Tymoshchuk, who was sent off by the French referee.

With the comfort of a goal and an extra man, the Parkhead club remained in firm control after the interval. Indeed, they should have doubled their lead after 56 minutes, when Hartson was left unattended in the area but his shot was blocked by Lastuvka and the goalkeeper then did well to save the rebound from Petrov. They failed to add to their advantage in that instance but they benefited further in terms of personnel two minutes later when Barcauan, booked in the first half, was shown a second yellow and a red for a foul on Petrov.

With Shakhtar reduced to nine men it all became academic yet for all that Celtic struggled to impose themselves further.

CELTIC: Marshall, Agathe, Varga, Valgaeren, McNamara, McGeady (Wallace 79), Lennon, Petrov, Thompson, Hartson, Camara (Beattie 81). Subs Not Used: Hedman, Sylla, Juninho Paulista, Pearson, Petta. Booked: Valgaeren. Goals: Thompson 25.

SHAKHTAR DONETSK: Lastuvka, Stoican, Barcauan, Lewandowski, Srna, Duljaj, Tymoschuk, Matuzalem, Vukic (Hubschman 60), Aghahowa (Marica 67), Vorobey (Batista 71). Subs Not Used: Shutkov, Bielik, Lalatovic, Pukanych. Sent Off: Tymoschuk (43), Barcauan (59). Booked: Barcauan.

Referee: Eric Poulat (France).