Celtic are back to winning ways after a dreadful run and the historic ‘quadruple treble’ lifted the spirit within the camp ahead of locking horns with Hamilton Academical at Superseal Stadium. Despite a slow start, the Hoops picked up the momentum early into the second half and scored twice in quick succession to secure three more points on Boxing Day football.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 3-0 win against Hamilton Accies.
Conor Hazard: 7
The youngster has earned a regular status now between the sticks and looked confident once again even though he was troubled a little en route to registering back to back cleansheets.
Jeremie Frimpong: 7.5
Was lively down the right-hand flank with his tireless overlapping runs. His crosses were accurate and the cut insides, as well as link-up play, created quite a few chances. Was spot on defensively with timely tackles as well as recoveries.
Nir Bitton: 6.5
Was in the centre of attention in the early minutes as he received a booking for a bad challenge. Then he had a couple of attempts off target at the other end of the pitch. However, the Israel international settled in eventually and did well defensively alongside Ajer in terms of aerial and physical presence.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7.5
Was composed with the ball on his feet as he kept on moving the ball across the pitch. Played it out from the back, also tried to carry it forward whenever he had space in front of him.
Greg Taylor: 7
Impressive from the youngster who balanced his game between attack and defence. Whipped in a few crosses, also recovered the space behind by tracking back whenever the Accies were plotting counter-attacking movements.
Ismaila Soro: 7.5
Neil Lennon has finally shown the courage to drop Scott Brown and play Soro deep down the midfield. The Ivorian is growing in confidence every passing week as he delivered yet another steady performance from his ‘number 6’ role.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Was mostly handed a free role from the middle of the park. He carried the ball forward from the back to operate in the advanced areas, also slotted in down the wide allowing the likes of Griffiths and Edouard to combine more centrally in the attacking third. Played his part in the build-up of Turnbull’s goal late in the match.
Ryan Christie: 7
Looked purposeful with his runs, one-twos and crosses from the right-hand flank. Tested Kyle Gourlay once in the Accies goal but failed to find the net eventually in spite of being productive from in and around the box. Was taken off to be replaced by Mohamed Elyounoussi late in the game.
David Turnbull: 8
Enjoying a dream run as he fired in once more to make it three for the visitors. Edouard’s strike fell favourably into his path after hitting the woodwork and the midfield attacker made no mistake to poke it in from a close range. Made way for Michael Johnston with 12 minutes remaining.
Odsonne Edouard: 9
Back to his best after an underwhelming stint as the Frenchman not only converted from the spot but also set it up for Griffiths who doubled the lead within four minutes. Also played his part in Turnbull’s goal as mentioned above. Was taken off to be replaced by Patryk Klimala with 13 minutes remaining.
Leigh Griffiths: 8.5
Showing his old run of form as he hit the woodwork once in the first half but fired in after the break. He is gradually regaining his poaching instincts back, something the fans have been waiting for quite a while. Made way for Albian Ajeti in the second half.
Celtic Substitutes vs Hamilton Accies
Albian Ajeti: 6
Had little impact since coming on.
Patryk Klimala: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Michael Johnston: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Mohamed Elyounoussi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
