CELTIC 4 FALKIRK 0

IRISH eyes were smiling at Parkhead last night.

Martin O’Neill enjoyed a winning return to Paradise in his first game in charge in two decades.

And it was Republic of Ireland Under-21 international striker Johnny Kenny who helped ease the nerves of the 73-year-old interim manager with a first-half double to make sure the champions were on their way to three points.

Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti added two more goals after the turnaround as the Hoops got back on track after losing back-to-back losses at Dundee and Hearts.

Scott Arfield had the first shot on target in 90 seconds that was straight at Kasper Schmeichel and only moments later Nygren did the same with a header that was held by a grateful Scott Bain.

The Hoops looked strangely hesitant in the early stages and the visitors were allowed far too many touches on the ball to be comfortable the the champions.

Too many sloppy passes gifted possession to John McGlynn’s side as a much-changed line-up tried to find a flow to their game.

IRISH AYES…Johnny Kenny celebrates his strike for the opening goal.

In the 18th minute, a wonderful chance fell to Tounekti...