Despite the sudden departure of Brendan Rodgers, Celtic are on course to clinching a historic ‘treble treble’ under interim chief Neil Lennon. The Hoops locked horns with Aberdeen this afternoon in the Scottish Cup semi-final and the fixture at Hampden Park proved to be a stroll in the park for the reigning champions as they registered a thumping 3-0 win against the nine-men Aberdeen. They are now set to clash heads with Hearts in the Cup final.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their commanding win versus the Dons.
Scott Bain: 7
The custodian had a comfortable outing as he remained largely untested between the sticks and claimed a clean sheet without much difficulty.
Mikael Lustig: 8
Combined well with James Forrest down the right flank. Did well defensively, and also played his part in the move which eventually resulted in a penalty. Assisted Tom Rogic for his side’s third of the afternoon.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7.5
Kept his composure at the back even though the Dons failed to threaten the Bhoys inside the box. Carried the ball forward from the deep and distributed upfront to build-up attacking moves.
Jozo Simunovic: 7
Did well to partner Ajer in the heart of the Celtic backline. His job was easy though due to a lack of penetration and creativity from the Aberdeen frontline.
Kieran Tierney: 7.5
The youngster was outstanding down the left flank as he kept on making overlapping runs, troubling the Dons’ defence and whipping in crosses from the wide areas.
Scott Brown: 7
Was combative as always and used his immense experience to keep control of the midfield game. Held the ball well and kept it rolling all over the pitch to frustrate the opponents.
Callum McGregor: 8
Operated in a box-to-box role and kept on threatening with his down the middle runs. Assisted James Forrest in the added minutes of the first half to break the deadlock.
James Forrest: 8.5
Continued his majestic form with yet another gorgeous goal minutes before the half-time whistle. Got denied by Joe Lewis seconds later and left the pitch amidst a standing ovation from the Celtic fans to make way for Timo Weah late in the match.
Ryan Christie: 6.5
Started the game brightly but was forced to leave the pitch in the first half following a clash of heads with Aberdeen’s Dominic Ball.
Jonny Hayes: 7.5
Impressed against his former employers as he won a spot-kick around the hour mark which was calmly slotted home by Odsonne Edouard. Got replaced by Scott Sinclair with 15 minutes remaining in the second half.
Odsonne Edouard: 8
The Frenchman took part in a number of build-ups in the attacking third. Found the net from the spot and created a few more chances which could have added more to their tally.
Substitutes
Tom Rogic: 7.5
The Aussie wizard scored his side’s third with a sublime finish. Controlled the game from a ‘number 10’ role combining with fellow teammates all around the pitch.
Scott Sinclair: 6
Showed his skills and flair since being introduced in place of Hayes.
Timo Weah: 6
Made some smart moves in the final quarter of the game.
