A lively start from the visitors almost produced a goal for the visitors, who came close to breaking the deadlock when Constantin Budescu fired just past the post from a promising position.

Stephan Johansen of Celtic and Vincent Laban of FC Astra Giurgiu challenge during the UEFA Europa League group D match between Celtic FC and FC Astra Giurgiu at Celtic Park on October 23, 2014 © Getty Images

Craig Gordon was called into action midway through the first half to get a vital hand on the lively Budescu's next effort, before Gabriel Enache dragged a shot wide of the target moments later.

Stefan Scepovic missed Celtic's best chance before the break when he headed over from just a few yards out following impressive work from Mikael Lustig on the wing.

The Serbian was guilty of being wasteful in front of goal once again early in the second half as he failed to add the finishing touch in front of an open goal after Emilio Izaguirre had picked him out with an inviting cross.

Ronny Deila's side were in control for long spells of the second half, but they were forced to wait until the 73rd minute for the breakthrough.

Stefan Scepovic of Celtic celebrates scoring his goal during the UEFA Europa League group D match between Celtic FC and FC Astra Giurgiu at Celtic Park on October 23, 2014 © Getty Images

It was Scepovic who managed to end his own frustration by putting Celtic ahead with a close-range header from an Anthony Stokes cross.

A second goal arrived moments later as Aleksandar Tonev's dangerous cross eventually reached Stefan Johansen, who fired home from a few yards out.

Astra set up a dramatic finish when Enache managed to beat Gordon at the near post after Celtic had failed to clear a ball into the box, but the visitors were unable to snatch a late equaliser.