Celtic limped into the first round proper of the UEFA Cup at Parkhead last night with an unimpressive performance against Welsh part-timers Cwmbran. Nineteen-year-old substitute Jamie Smith shook the home side out of their lethargy on his debut, the youngster smashing home the second from the edge of the area just past the hour.
The teenager's goal doubled an advantage given to them in the ninth minute by Norwegian striker Harald Brattbakk, who raced onto a Regi Blinker through-ball before slipping his shot under the advancing Steve Morris.
Smith provided the cross which Johan Mjallby converted to make it three and second half substitute Tommy Johnson bagged number four in injury-time as Celtic, already 6-0 up from the first leg, completed their expected two-legged triumph.
However, it wasn't the command performance the 47,000 hardy souls who turned out to watch this non-event were looking for - and they let coach John Barnes know.
Celtic: Kharine, Stubbs, Brattbakk, Wieghorst (Smith 45), Petta (Johnson 71), McKinlay, Blinker, Healy, Riseth, Mjallby, Burchill. Subs Not Used: Mahe, Bonnes, Elliot, Convery, Corr. Goals: Brattbakk 9, Smith 60, Mjallby 66, Johnson 90.
Cwmbran: Morris, Willis, John, Blackie, O'Brien (B. Graham 79), Summers (Goodridge 88), Moore, D. Graham, Wigley (Pattimore 88), Aizlewood, Futcher. Subs Not Used: O'Hagan, Thomas, Powell, Evans. Agg (10-0) Att: 46,975
Referee: P McKeon (Ireland).
