AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi emerged from six months of injury misery to grab the decisive second goal on Wednesday as the Italian champions went on to beat Celtic 3-1 in Champions League Group F.

Milan were being held 1-1 at home to the Scottish side until Inzaghi slid home a cross from Andriy Shevchenko in the 89th minute. A deflected free kick in injury time from Andrea Pirlo secured the win for Milan to leave them with the maximum six points from two games.

Inzaghi missed out on the run-in to Milan's Serie A title win and the Euro 2004 finals after picking up an ankle injury last season and had only recently returned to action.

"It has been six months that I have been dreaming of that moment," he said of his goal, which came after he was introduced as a 77th minute substitute.

The 31-year-old Italian international underwent surgery to remove a fragment of bone in May and said he had found it difficult to be left on the sidelines.

"I felt that there was a lot of confidence in me and I always want to give my best but after all this time it was hard," said Inzaghi.

"But tonight was something extraordinary for me even if I have to say that to see the best of Inzaghi we will need a little more time.

"For the moment though it is enough for me to feel useful even in this way. I have a huge desire to help and to repay the club."

Coach Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for the former Juventus striker "He was very important for us tonight and really gave a boost to the side."