Reigning Premiership champions Celtic took another step towards catching up to Rangers on the league table after a 2-1 comeback victory against St.Mirren. Unlike what many would’ve expected going into the tie, the home side gave Neil Lennon’s men a good run for their money. They found the net in the third minute from a corner, before a typical header from Shane Duffy and an unlikely one from James Forrest, ensured that Celtic took home all three points. Despite a flurry of chances in the second half, including a missed penalty by Edouard, the Hoops were unable to find a third goal on the night.
Here Are The Celtic Player Ratings Vs St.Mirren:
Celtic Player Ratings Vs St.Mirren
Vasilis Barkas – 6
The Greek stopper couldn’t have done too much about the goal from the St.Mirren corner, and was largely untroubled otherwise. Barely had anything to do in the second half of the fixture.
Hatem Abd Elhamed – 6.5
The full-back was forced to do a lot of defending down his flank but remained focused for a majority of the ninety. Tried to get forward at times but was caught on the ball on a few occasions.
Kristoffer Ajer – 7.5
The defender put in what was arguably his best performance of the season so far. Looked confident when dealing with the home side’s attackers and composed when driving forward with the ball too.
Shane Duffy – 7
The big Irishman put in a solid defensive shift apart from a couple of nervous moments in the early stages. Scored the second goal of his Celtic career in typical fashion – a header from a set-piece.
Greg Taylor – 7
The speedster worked hard getting up and down the flank as he was forced into doing quite a bit of defending in the first-half. Spent a majority of the ninety in St.Mirren’s side of the pitch though.
Scott Brown – 6.5
The skipper was guilty of a couple of fluffed clearances, but he protected the back-line in an effective manner. Provided a constant passing option and tried to move forward on occasions as well.
Callum McGregor – 8
The midfield playmaker picked up some extremely dangerous positions in the final third for the away side. Sent a shot narrowly wide in the second half but controlled the pace of the game well.
Patryk Klimala – 6
The youngster was deployed in a wider role than usual by Neil Lennon but he struggled to impact the tie. Had one headed chance in the first half but was quiet for the most part.
Ryan Christie – 7.5
The attacker delivered some excellent balls into the area tonight as it was his deliveries that led to both the Celtic goals. Did well to spread the ball around and won a penalty in the second half as well.
James Forrest – 7
The speedster put in a good shift down the flank today and he played some neat crosses into the St.Mirren box. Unbelievably scored a header to double the Celts’ goal tally in the first half.
Odsonne Edouard – 7
The Frenchman worked quite hard off the ball and probably deserved to find a goal for all the effort he put in. Struck a poor penalty after producing a venomous free-kick that was pushed away by the keeper.
Substitutes
Albian Ajeti – 6
The Swiss striker picked up a couple of dangerous positions immediately after coming on, but couldn’t sort his feet out in time. Tried to link up the play and produced some decent exchanges.
Olivier Ntcham – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Jeremie Frimpong – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
