You'd imagine Mark McGhee delivered a heat-seeking verbal rocket for his troops at the break; Ronny Deila will have urged his side to be more clinical in front of goal.

The visitors come haring out of the traps as Nadir Ciftci shows an impressive touch to control a long ball into the box but the Motherwell defence clear the danger at a sun-kissed Fir Park.

We're back under way at Fir Park.

Max Baggins-Craig: "Well, Motherwell have not been enough by any means, best buck-up guys. Celtic deserve HT lead."

Jonathan Sutherland at Fir Park
BBC Scotland

"Quite how Celtic are only 1-0 up is the most staggering thing. The champions have been excellent, but they should be at least two or three goals in front. Such was the Celtic dominance that one of their centre backs - Tyler Blackett - was able to cross the ball into the box for his central defensive partner Dedryck Boyata - who had joined the attack - but his free header was just wide of the target. Motherwell keep giving the ball away, it's far too sloppy. Surely changes are required at half-time?"

Image source, SNS

Celtic captain Scott Brown gallops forward but the midfielder's wild effort has more chance of hitting a fan's pie & bovril behind the Motherwell goal than hitting the net.

BBC Sportsound pundit Craig Paterson

"I can't remember watching a Motherwell team so poor in possession of the ball. Mark McGhee, at half-time, will have to be looking at the bench to see if someone can come on and make their mark."

BBC Sportsound pundit Pat Bonner

"The next goal is crucial: if Motherwell concede again then this game could end anything."

Another Celtic attack slices open the Motherwell rearguard and Dedryck Boyata's header whistles narrowly past Connor Ripley's goal. Will Celtic rue these missed chances? Can Well stem the tide for much longer?

Jonathan Sutherland at Fir Park
BBC Scotland

"Kris Commons with some exquisite technique. His free-kick from 20 yards coming back off the bar. Ripley in the Motherwell goal was well beaten. Motherwell struggling. "

Motherwell venture into Celtic territory and the hosts have a free-kick as Izaguirre fouls Johnson. However, the set piece sails out of play as Craig Gordon watches the ball go past without connecting with a Motherwell head.

The crossbar denies Celtic a second goal as Kris Commons sees his 20-yard free-kick smack the woodwork and bounce clear; Motherwell keeper Connor Ripley was stranded.

Ronny Deila's side are zipping the ball about in midfield as they probe for another opening and a second goal. The space Celtic are enjoying is where Motherwell midfielder Keith Lasley usually patrols: food for thought for Mark McGhee at the break?

Image source, SNS

Celtic shred the Motherwell defence again with an incisive passing move but Tom Rogic can't finish as he blazes over the bar from inside the area.

Jonathan Sutherland at Fir Park
BBC Scotland

"This is looking ominous for Motherwell. They are becoming almost a play-thing for Celtic right now. Louis Laing has been moved into central midfield proper, while Liam Grimshaw has been told by Mark McGhee to play the defensive midfield role aka the Keith Lasley role."

Max Baggins-Craig: "Great win for County last night, Aberdeen a mess. Looks to be an interesting early match today, glad to see the Mac's back :)"

Motherwell midfielder Stephen Pearson can count himself not to earn a booking for a late challenge on Efe Ambrose. The former Celtic man gets away with a stern talking to; Ambrose dusts himself down and we're back under way.

The hosts have yet to show any attacking intent as Celtic search for a second goal.

Kris Commons goes close to doubling Celtic's lead, collecting a pass from Nir Bitton before seeing his 30-yard drive tipped over by Connor Ripley. The Steelmen repel the corner kick but Mark McGhee will be concerned at the one-way traffic in the opening 25 minutes.

BBC Sportsound pundit Craig Paterson

"I don't think Craig Gordon has touched the ball with his hands yet..."