Celtic staged an admirable second-half comeback to earn their first Europa League win of the campaign to see off 10-man Sturm Graz.

Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren struck within three minutes of each other as Brendan Rodgers' side clicked into gear in front of an appreciative Celtic Park crowd.

The defending Scottish champions came into this under pressure, having taken just one point from their opening two fixtures in this competition and on the back of a league defeat to Dundee on Sunday.

With challenging away ties to follow next month against Midtjylland and Feyenoord, three points seemed vital to get a foothold in the group phase table.

Within a couple of minutes of kick off, Celtic suffered another blow as they lost lost Kelechi Iheanacho to injury. It seemed that might set the tone.

Desire and intent was evident throughout but execution was, initially, repeatedly missing despite creating a number of glaring opportunities.

In complete contrast, Sturm seized on their first real chance when Tomi Horvat struck a quite stunning long-range strike straight into the top corner.

The response was strong but again derailed when Alistair Johnston - on his return from injury - had to be replaced. Another big blow.

Then some luck arrived when Kasper Schmeichel's post came to the rescue as an Otar Kiteishvili shot was diverted away.

Celtic generated an incredible number of chances from there. It took centre-back Scales to show the way with a composed finish that hauled them level.

Nygren, after missing chance after chance, then converted a header moments later to earn victory, one made slightly smoother by Sturm being reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute after Tochi Chukwuani's rash studs-up challenge on Callum McGregor.

Celtic got what they wanted and Rodgers will hope it is a springboard to improved performances and results.

Rodgers wanted a kick-start after a less than convincing start to the campaign. This win, and the manner of it, might just do that, although injuries will be of concern ahead of the visit to league leaders Hearts on Sunday.

Celtic needed to show more intensity and fight to start to get things back on track. They did, and overcame considerable adversity within this game to succeed.

They created far more chances than of late, but a lack of conviction in key moments might have cost them. To their credit, they stood up to the pressure, continued to create and, finally, got the reward they sought.

Having defeated Rangers earlier this month, Sturm arrived in good form and with confidence. At one stage, they easily could have had a two-goal cushion and you wonder what outcome might have followed if they had.

In normal circumstances you would fancy Celtic to take care of them at home. These aren't normal circumstances right now, but this might just be the shot in the arm they need to kick on.

With that top-of-the-table Premiership meeting to follow at Hearts, the potential lack of options up front will be a big challenge to overcome. Possible defensive ones, too.

Things, on a lot of fronts, haven't been going Celtic's way of late. Finally, they did at a vital time. On the balance of play, deservedly so, with yet more big challenges on the immediate horizon.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "I thought the performance was outstanding. We had everything you want in the team - the tempo, the speed, the energy - everything was there against a good side.

"I said before the game to the players, we've really got to show leadership now. And you could see from the weekend, the progress in the team was so good, individually and collectively."

Former Scotland forward James McFadden: "For Celtic, it was about getting the win. I think when Celtic moved the ball quicker it caused Graz problems, stopped them from getting any kind of control in the game, and it was a better performance

"Ultimately, for Celtic, it's back to winning ways, back on the goal trail, and chances created. That has got to be the most pleasing factor."

Celtic travel to Tynecastle on Sunday, 26 October (12:00 GMT), looking to reel in a Hearts side who enjoy a five-point lead in the Scottish Premiership.

Their next Europa League tie is in Denmark against Midtjylland on Thursday, 6 November (17:45 GMT).