Beram Kayal boosted Celtic’s hopes of a top two finish with what proved to be the decisive strike in a 2-1 win over Ajax at Celtic Park.

James Forrest fired the Bhoys in front on the stroke of half-time before Israel international Kayal doubled the lead with a deflected effort eight minutes into the second half.

Celtic were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages when their other Israeli, substitute Nir Biton, was shown a straight red after a dangerous challenge on Thulani Serero, but the hosts managed to hold on for the points, with Lasse Schone earning Ajax a late consolation.

Celtic matchwinner Kayal said: "It's a great victory. We needed these points. In the last two games we played well against Milan and Barcelona but didn’t get what we deserved.

"We worked hard like a team against Ajax and the dream is alive to qualify from this group.

"I’m so happy to score but the important thing is the three points. It’s the first goal from me after a year and I’m so happy about that. I don’t know if it was going in anyway, but I just saw it go in the net."

Celtic boss Neil Lennon described Kayal as "worth his weight in gold".