Salzburg 2-2 Celtic: Craig Gordon and result please Ronny Deila

Gordon made several fine saves in Celtic's draw

Celtic manager Ronny Deila hailed the performance of goalkeeper Craig Gordon in the 2-2 draw with Red Bull Salzburg.

The 31-year-old Scotland international made important saves as the Scottish champions opened their Europa League Group D campaign with a draw.

"He has been good all season, but he is progressing all the time and getting better and better," said Deila, 38.

"He is a top professional, fantastic man and I am so glad to have him in the group."

Gordon, who spent two years on the sidelines recovering from knee injuries after leaving Sunderland in 2012, joined Celtic in the summer and became first-choice keeper following Fraser Forster's £10m move to Southampton.

"I had only seen him on television, playing for Sunderland," explained Deila. "I didn't know him, but [goalkeeping coach] Stevie Woods said he was ready and he is fit now and he will come to the level he was at. They have done well to get back again.

"Fraser was fantastic, but now we have a good goalkeeper. He is very good professional, very calm and so far he has been fantastic."

Deila feels his team are "progressing"

Wakaso Mubarak opened the scoring on his Celtic debut in Austria, only for Brazilian Alan's deflected shot to level the match at half-time.

Another deflected strike, this time from Celtic captain Scott Brown, turned the game in the visitors' favour again before Jonathan Soriano's impressive free-kick secured a draw for Salzburg.

"It was a good result. They are a good team and were difficult to play against. They played with high intensity and have very fit and quick players," said Deila.

"I think we played much better as a team today. But it was important to get the point. Before the game, we spoke about getting something from it.

"We are lasting the distance better, over 90 minutes. We need to be quicker with passing, but with the team spirit we have, we will get points and I am satisfied with that.

"But I think they deserved to get the goal in the end. They had some chances and we had a fantastic goalkeeper.

"Yes, we were 2-1 up, but their free-kick was fantastic.

"But I am pleased with the point and happy with the performance.

"We are progressing, but there is a lot of work to be ever better."

Celtic next host Dinamo Zagreb, who thumped Astra Ploiesti of Romania 5-1 in their Group D opener in Croatia.